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DOI: 10.48087/BJMS.2026.130101
Authors: Zahira BOUDIAF, Naima MESSALHI, Nadia TIGHA, Kamel AMOURA, Nassima DJAHMI, Hasna SEHAB, Amine MAMMERI.
Keywords: Blood exposure accident (BEA), Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), Hepatitis B vaccination, Occupational infection risk, Serological monitoring
Abstract
Introduction: Blood exposure accidents (BEAs) represent a major risk for healthcare professionals due to the possible transmission of infectious agents such as HIV, HBV, and HCV. Their prevention and management constitute a major public health issue. According to the WHO, three million healthcare professionals experience BEAs each year. This study aims to assess the incidence of BEAs at Annaba University Hospital Center, analyze the circumstances of occurrence and the profiles of victims, and propose preventive measures. Methods : This prospective study was conducted from 2016 to 2024. All healthcare workers at Annaba University Hospital who experienced a BEA and were managed by the Infectious Diseases Department were included. Management included risk assessment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when necessary, with serological follow-up at day 0, 1 month (M1), 3 months (M3), and 6 months (M6). Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Results : Among 255 BEA cases managed, 87% were due to needle-stick injuries, mainly occurring during blood sampling procedures (43%). The most affected departments were the medical emergency unit (17%) and infectious diseases department (15%). The serological status of the source patient was unknown in 49% of cases; among known sources, 10.6% were HIV-positive, 13.7% were HBV-positive, and 6.7% were HCV-positive. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was insufficient, with only 45.5% of workers being fully vaccinated. Post-exposure consultation occurred within 48 hours in 86.6% of cases, and antiretroviral prophylaxis was prescribed in 31.4% of cases with confirmed HIV risk. No seroconversion was observed during six months of follow-up. Conclusion : Our study reveals a stable incidence of BEAs, predominantly related to needle-stick injuries occurring during sampling procedures. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage remains insufficient. Despite high-risk exposures, no seroconversion was observed.