Assessment of HBV, HCV and HIV injection in a population of Polish orthopedic surgeons]

Orthopedic surgeons are at risk for occupationally acquired infections with blood borne pathogens. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of infection with HBV, HCV, CMV and HIV among orthopedic surgeons. DESIGN: Voluntary, anonymous serosurvey at an annual meeting of Polish Association of Orthopedic Surgeons held in Szczecin, Poland in 2004. Serum samples were tested for anti-HIV, anti-CMV IgG, anti-HCV and markers of HBV infection: anti-HBc total and HBs. RESULTS: Of 1000 eligible orthopedic surgeons at the meeting, 101 (10.4%) participated; 75% participants reported a percutaneous blood contact in the previous month. None of the doctors was positive for HIV (0%, 95% CI:0-3.7%). One participant (1%, 95% CI: 0.2-5.4%), 26 years in profession, had anti-HCV. There was evi-dence of infection with HBV in 10 of 96 participants (10.4%) who had reported having no nonoccupational risk factors and in 5 participants with such factors. None of them developed a chronic infection. Only 5 out of 15 doctors infected with HBV knew their serological status, 13 out of those 15 had been immunized with hepatitis B vaccine, 4 revaccinated. The immunization rate was 91%. The seroprevalence for CMV was 63/101 (62%); it increased with age (p < 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Despite infection control precautions and availability of hepatitis B vaccine, orthopedic surgeons remain at risk for acquiring bloodborne viral infection. CMV poses the highest risk, followed by HBV and HCV. As the majority of HBV infected doctors did not know their serological status and underwent immunization with hepatitis B vaccine, testing for anti-HBc before vaccination remains crucial.     

Occupational blood-borne diseases in surgery

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) infections are transmitted by blood exposure. Surgeons have been concerned about the risks of blood exposure in the operating room as a potential source of occupational infections from these viruses. The actual risk and frequency of operating room transmission remains poorly understood by many surgeons. METHODS: The pertinent recent literature on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV, HBV and HCV were reviewed to address the current understanding of these viruses as occupational risks to surgeons. RESULTS: HIV transmission to surgeons has not been documented in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control. HIV transmission from a surgeon to a patient in the environment of the operating room, as well as transmission from an HIV-infected surgeon to a patient, has not been documented. HBV infection of surgeons has declined with the general acceptance of the HBV vaccine. HCV infection remains a real risk for transmission in the operating room, given that no vaccine is currently available and that the overall number of chronically infected patients remains quite high. CONCLUSION: The risk of occupational infection from known viral pathogens for surgeons is low, but it is not zero. Effective barriers, modified patterns of behavior, and prompt responses to blood exposure events are the best methods for prevention.     

Reducing the Occupational Risk of Infections for the Surgeon: Multicentric National Survey on More Than 15,000 Surgical Procedures

The objective of this study was to find the incidence of accidental exposures to blood and body fluids among surgeons during operations and to describe their dynamics. A probabilistic model was also used to predict the cumulative 30-year risk to the surgeon of contracting hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and estimate the effect of preventive strategies in reducing this risk. A multicentric prospective survey, based on self-administered questionnaires, was conducted during a period of 6 months in 39 Italian hospitals. An accidental exposure to blood or body fluids occurred in 9.2% of 15,375 operations. In about 2% of procedures a parenteral-type injury, such as actual skin puncture or eye contamination, was suffered by the operating surgeon. A needle-stick injury was the commonest accident, and its occurrence was found to vary with the phase of the procedure and its length. The current lifetime risk of acquiring HBV, HCV, and HIV infection in our regions was estimated to be as high as 42.7%, 34.8%, and 0.54%, respectively. The adoption of preventive strategies is expected to reduce this risk to 21% for HBV, 16.6% for HCV, and 0.23% for HIV infection. Active immunization of surgeons against HBV is strongly recommended. The case is also made for the use of a face-shield combined with a permanent change in our surgical practice capable of reducing the current high rate of parenteral injuries.     

Analysis of occupational exposures associated with emergency department thoracotomy

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have examined the cost effectiveness of emergency department thoracotomy (EDT), provider risk has not been included in these analyses. This study examined the costs associated with provider exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis from percutaneous injury during EDT. METHODS: A decision tree describing the occupational risks and costs associated with EDT was created. Exposed providers undergo initial counseling, evaluation, and HIV postexposure prophylaxis and treatment as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Costs are reported from a health care system perspective in year-2000 dollars. The following prevalences were assumed: HIV (7.1%), hepatitis C (18%), and provider percutaneous injury rate (10%). Sensitivity analyses were performed by varying the prevalence of disease and the probability of seroconversion. RESULTS: According to the authors' model assumptions, the probability is 0.00004 for HIV and 0.0027 for chronic hepatitis C seroconversion. The total additional cost per thoracotomy associated with an exposure is dollars 1,377. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency department thoracotomy is associated with important provider medical risks. Future analyses of EDT should include these factors in reports on the value of this procedure.     

Markers of hepatitis B, C and HIV among orthopedic patients and staff at a Polish university hospital

OBJECTIVE: to estimate prevalence of immunization for HBV and seroprevalence for HBV, HCV and HIV among orthopedic patients and staff; to verify the proportion of staff genetically resistant to HIV. METHODS: a voluntary anonymous serosurvey together with immunization history were completed at the orthopedic ward of Szczecin University Hospital (37 beds, 30 doctors and nurses and 1118 admissions annually) between November/December 2006. Blood from 100 consecutive patients and all staff agreeing to participate was tested for anti-HIV, anti-HCV and markers of HBV including anti-HBc total and HBs, as well as for alleles of the CCR5 gene mutated variant with 32-bp deletion. RESULTS: All off the first 100 patients (median age 51 years, 63% males) and 20 staff (response 67%, median age 35 years, 45% males) agreed to participate. Among patients 64% reported being immunized (95% CI: 54.2-72.7%), 24% (95% CI:16.7-33.2%), not being immunized, 12% (95% CI: 7-19,8%) did not remember. Prevalence of anti-HCV and anti-HIV was 0% (95% CI 0-3.7%); as for HBV, one was HBsAg positive (1%; 95% CI: 0.2-5.4%). Among tested staff none were positive for anti-HCV and anti-HIV. As for HBV, anti-HBc were detected in 8 (40%), 2 had had symptomatic hepatitis, of whom one (5%) was HBsAg positive. No tested staff reported non-occupational risk factors. Seven of eight anti-HBc positive staff had been unaware of previous hepatitis B and underwent full immunisation with three doses of vaccine. Among tested staff 1 (5%) was a homozygote delta32/delta32 allele of the CCR5 receptor, 4 (21%) were heterozygotes +/delta32. CONCLUSIONS: The main study limitation was the small sample size and the fact that one-third of staff refused testing; nevertheless, the carrier state of HBs detected in one percent of tested patients, and high proportion of tested staff with the markers of HBV infection indicates high occupational risk and emphasizes the need for immunization. Nearly all HBc positive staff unaware of their serological status had undergone immunization, showing the importance of pre-immunization testing. In the light of low single exposure risk, lack of serological markers of infection in the current population of orthopedic patients and staff, and 5% of careers of mutated allele of CCR5 detected among staff, we conclude that an employment at orthopedic ward does not significantly increase the risk of contracting HIV infection.     

Risk of human immunodeficiency virus in surgeons, anesthesiologists, and medical students.

We postulated that three factors determined the occupational risk of infection from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and medical students: first, the risk of needlestick exposure per year (range for surgeons 3.8-6.2, weighted average 4.2; range for anesthesiologists 0.86-2.5, weighted average 1.3; range for third-year medical students 0-5, best estimate 5); second, the risk of seroconversion from a needlestick exposure (0.42%-0.50%); and third, prevalence of HIV in the population served (0.32%-23.6%, depending on geographic location). Thus, the calculated range for occupational risk of HIV infection for a surgeon over a 30-yr period (assuming no change in HIV prevalence or benefit from protective measures) was 0.17%-13.9%; for an anesthesiologist, 0.05%-4.50%. The corresponding range of occupational risk for a medical student during the third year was 0.007%-0.59%. The range of risk is large because the variation in prevalence of HIV infection from one area to another is great. The authors validated the methodology first by using an equation, with estimates from the literature for factors in the equation, to calculate the risk of infection for hepatitis B and then by comparing the results with known rates of infection in the prevaccine era. Calculated occupational risk of hepatitis B infection for anesthesiologists was in the lower range of actual prevalence of infection (calculated range 2.32%-20.6%; known range 6%-26%). Calculated risk versus prevalence for surgeons was fairly close (7.31%-53.4% versus 24.4%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prevalence and behavioural risks for HIV and HCV infections in a population of drug users of Dakar,Senegal: the ANRS 12243 UDSEN study

Objectives

Data on the extent of drug use and associated HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection in West Africa are lacking. The objectives of ANRS12244 UDSEN study were to estimate the size of the heroin and/or cocaine drug user (DU) population living in the Dakar area (Senegal), and assess the prevalence and risk factors of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), including behavioural determinants in this population, in order to set up an integrated prevention and treatment programme for DUs.

Design and methods

A capture-recapture method was applied for population size estimation, whereas the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method was used to recruit a sample of DUs living in the Dakar area and determine HIV, HBV and HCV prevalence. Behavioural data were gathered during face-to-face interviews, and blood samples were collected on dried blood spots for analysis in a central laboratory. Data analysis was performed using the RDS analysis tool, and risk factors were determined by logistic regression. Access to laboratory results was organized for the participants.

Results

The size of the DU population in the Dakar area was estimated to reach 1324 (95% confidence interval (95% CI: 1281–1367)). Based on the 506 DUs included in the study, the HIV, HCV and HBV prevalence were 5.2% (95% CI: 3.8–6.3), 23.3% (95% CI: 21.2–25.2) and 7.9% (95% CI: 5.2–11.1), respectively. In people who inject drugs (PWID), prevalence levels increased to 9.4% for HIV and 38.9% for HCV (p=0.001 when compared to those who never injected). Women were more at risk of being HIV infected (prevalence: 13.04% versus 2.97% in males, p=0.001). Being PWID was a risk factor for HCV and HIV infection (odds ratio, OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.7–4.3, and OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.7–10.7, respectively), whereas older age and female sex were additional risk factors for HIV infection (10% increase per year of age, p=0.03 and OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.6–156, respectively). No specific determinant was associated with the risk of HBV infection.

Conclusions

High HIV and HCV prevalence were estimated in this population of DUs (including non-injectors) living in the Dakar area, Senegal, whereas HBV prevalence was close to that of the global Senegalese population, reflecting a risk of infection independent of drug use. Women seem to be highly vulnerable and deserve targeted interventions for decreasing exposure to HIV, while behavioural risk factors for HIV and HCV include the use of unsafe injections, reflecting the urgent need for developing harm reduction interventions and access to opioid substitution therapy services.     

Recommendations for postexposure prophylaxis of operating room personnel and patients exposed to bloodborne diseases

The purpose of this collective review is to discuss management of operating room personnel who have had occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids that might contain hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). HBV postexposure prophylaxis includes starting hepatitis B vaccine series in any susceptible unvaccinated operating room personnel who sustain an exposure to blood or body fluid during surgery. Postexposure prophylaxis with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is an important consideration after determining the hepatitis B antigen status of the patient. Ideally, all operating room personnel should be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine before they pursue their career in surgery. Immune globulin and antiviral agents (e.g., interferon with or without ribavirin) should not be used for postexposure prophylaxis of operating room personnel exposed to patients with HCV; rather, follow-up HCV testing should be initiated to determine if infection develops. Postexposure prophylaxis for HIV involves a basic four-week regimen of two drugs (zidovudine and lamivudine; lamivudine and stavudine; or didanosine and stavudine) for most exposures. An expanded regimen that includes a third drug must be considered for HIV exposures that pose an increased risk for transmission. When developing a postexposure prophylaxis regimen, it is helpful to contact the National Clinicians' Postexposure Prophylaxis Hotline (1-888-448-4911).     

Quantifying the risk of undetected HIV,hepatitis B virus,or hepatitis C virus infection in Public Health Service increased risk donors

To reduce the risk of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission through organ transplantation, donors are universally screened for these infections by nucleic acid tests (NAT). Deceased organ donors are classified as “increased risk” if they engaged in specific behaviors during the 12 months before death. We developed a model to estimate the risk of undetected infection for HIV, HBV, and HCV among NAT‐negative donors specific to the type and timing of donors’ potential risk behavior to guide revisions to the 12‐month timeline. Model parameters were estimated, including risk of disease acquisition for increased risk groups, number of virions that multiply to establish infection, virus doubling time, and limit of detection by NAT. Monte Carlo simulation was performed. The risk of undetected infection was <1/1 000 000 for HIV after 14 days, for HBV after 35 days, and for HCV after 7 days from the time of most recent potential exposure to the day of a negative NAT. The period during which reported donor risk behaviors result in an “increased risk” designation can be safely shortened.     

Prevalence of hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV infection among haemodialysis patients in Ibn-Rochd university hospital, Casablanca

The viral infections are frequent in haemodialysis patients, notably those due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of the hepatitis C, the hepatitis B, the HIV infection in haemodialysis patients and the main risk factors for hepatitis C in the chronic haemodialysis patients treated in haemodialysis unit of Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca. This retrospective study was performed in 186 chronic haemodialysis patients and showed a high prevalence of HVC infection (76%), the prevalence of HBV infection was at 2%, none of the patients had detectable antibodies of HIV. Among the patients infected by the HCV, the mean duration of dialysis was 8,7 years. The mean number of blood units transfused was 16,5. Seventeen patients (11%) had no history of blood transfusion. In conclusion, the blood transfusion is not considered to be a like a major risk factor of the HCV infection in haemodialysis patients and this since the systematic detection of the anti-HCV antibodies in the blood donors. The nosocomial transmission of HCV seems to be the main risk factor HCV infection in the haemodialysis units requiring a strict adherence to infection control procedures for prevention of HVC infection in haemodialysis patients.     

The prevalence of hepatitis C in a regional level I trauma center population.

Several studies have examined the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a trauma population. To our knowledge, no one has reported on the prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV). We prospectively studied the prevalence of HCV, as well as HBV, HIV, and syphilis in our adult regional level I trauma center population. Two hundred eighty-six consecutive trauma patients were tested for previous exposure to HCV using an anti-HCV mAb ELISA. Patients were also tested for exposure to HBV, HIV, and syphilis, and for illicit drug use. All rho values were calculated using Yates' corrected chi 2 or Student's t test. Twenty-two patients (7.7%) were found to have anti-HCV antibodies, five patients (1.7%) had active HBV, nine patients (3.2%) had HIV, and 16 patients (6%) were positive by RPR. Four (18%) of the patients seropositive for HCV tested positive for HBV, HIV, or syphilis as well. The HIV-positive patients were more likely than the HIV-negative patients to be HCV positive (rho = 0.018). Nine of the HCV seropositive patients (41%) tested positive for cocaine use. Cocaine users were more likely than nonusers to be HCV positive (rho = 0.0007). We have demonstrated the prevalence of HCV in our trauma population to be high (7.7%). It is well known that HCV has a high rate of chronicity, thus up to 90% of these patients are carriers and represent a substantial risk to health care workers. The two significant risk factors, HIV status and cocaine use, are difficult to elicit in the acute setting, reinforcing the need for adhering to universal precautions.     

Current state of kidney transplantation in patients with HIV,hepatitis C,and hepatitis B infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) are common chronic viral infections in the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patient population that were once considered relative contraindications to kidney transplantation. In this review, we will summarize the current state of kidney transplantation in patients with HIV, HCV, and HBV, which is rapidly evolving. HIV+ patients enjoy excellent outcomes in the modern transplant era and may have new transplant opportunities with the use of HIV+ donors. Direct-acting antivirals for HCV have substantially changed the landscape of care for patients with HCV infection. HBV+ patients now have excellent patient and allograft survival with HBV therapy. Currently, kidney transplantation is a safe and appropriate treatment for the majority of ESKD patients with HIV, HCV, and HBV.     

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus among dialysis patients in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

Dialysis patients are at risk for contracting blood-borne infections, including hepatitis viruses (HBV and HCV). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among hamodialysis patients in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Study subjects comprised 81 Bahraini and 34 Saudi dialysis patients, and as control 7714 Bahraini and 2330 Saudi blood donors. Serologic markers of HBV (HBsAg, anti-HBc) and HCV (anti-HCV) were determined by EIA and confirmed by PCR (HBV) and RT-PCR (HCV). Higher prevalence of HCV (9.240% vs 0.300%, P <.001), HBsAg (5.88% vs 0.620%; P <.001), but not anti-HBc (1.7% vs 4.6%; P =.01) were seen in patients compared to controls, respectively. When compared to Bahrainis, higher prevalence of HBsAg (11.8% vs 3.7%) and anti-HCV (14.7% vs 7.4%) were seen among Saudi patients, respectively. Double HCV infection was frequent, and the most prevalent types were HCV1a/1b plus HCV4 in Bahraini, and HCV 2/2a plus HCV 4 among Saudi dialysis patients. Our results are the first report on viral hepatitis among dialysis patients in Bahrain, and the first to compare HBV/HCV rates among dialysis patients in the Eastern Arabian peninsula, and confirms other results that documented increased HBV and HCV infection among dialysis patients. Future studies aimed at assessing the status and to monitor the progress of viral hepatitis infection among dialyzed and transfused patients will have a strong impact on patient diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment.     

Blood-borne viruses in the haemodialysis-dependent population attending Top End Northern Territory facilities 2000-2009

Aim: To describe the incidence and prevalence of blood‐borne viruses (BBV) including: hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T‐cell leukaemia virus type‐1 (HTLV) in the haemodialysis‐dependent population of the Top End of the Northern Territory (TENT). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the serology of BBV in a longitudinal fashion in the haemodialysis‐dependent population treated in the TENT of Australia from 2000 to 2009 inclusive. HBV, HCV, HIV and HTLV serology on commencement of dialysis and at exit or January 2010, whichever was earlier, as well as demographic details were collected. Patients with a change in serological status had all serology reviewed. Results: Four‐hundred and forty patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 84.3% were Indigenous and 55.4% female, with a median age of 50 (IQR 43–59) years at the commencement of haemodialysis. Evidence of past HBV infection was documented in 42.7% and 8.9% were hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive. Positive serology for HTLV was documented in 2.2%, 1.6% were hepatitis C antibody‐positive and no individual was HIV‐positive. Three patients had a definite change in their HBV serology over time; this equates to an absolute seroconversion risk of 0.1 per 100 person years or 0.0006 per dialysis episode. Conclusions: In this cohort, there was a high rate of past and current hepatitis B infection but low rates of seroconversion while on haemodialysis.     

Surgeons'' concern and practices of protection against bloodborne pathogens.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgeons' concern regarding risk awareness and behavioral methods of protection against bloodborne pathogen transmission during surgery. METHODS: A 29-item questionnaire was sent to 914 surgeons from two universities and two surgical societies. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 768 active surgeons. Slight or moderate concern about contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was reported by most surgeons; 8% reported extreme concern and 4% reported no concern. In total, 605 surgeons reported having been vaccinated against hepatitis B; surgeons in practice <7 years were most likely to be vaccinated. Most surgeons did not routinely use double gloves: 92 of 768 surgeons reported that they always use double gloves when performing surgery, and 83 reported that they usually use double gloves. There was a statistically significantly higher proportion of surgeons who always or usually use double gloves who also had hepatitis B vaccinations. Most surgeons incorrectly estimated the seroconversion rates with exposure to a patient with HIV (66% incorrect), hepatitis B (88% incorrect), or hepatitis C (84% incorrect). Most surgeons never or rarely report needle-stick injuries, and only 17% always report needle-stick injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Most surgeons underestimate the risk of bloodborne pathogens and do not routinely use double gloves.     

Differential Effects of Donor Age in Liver Transplant Recipients Infected With Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Without Viral Hepatitis

The variable impact of specific risk factors on survival outcomes based on pre-transplantation diagnosis was analyzed in adult liver transplant recipients reported to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients: 778 with hepatitis B (HBV), 3463 with hepatitis C (HCV) and 7429 without viral hepatitis. Graft and patient survival for the HBV and no viral hepatitis groups did not differ significantly. The HCV group had significantly lower graft (p = 0.0019) and patient survival (p < 0.0001) than the no viral hepatitis group. Patient survival was significantly lower (p = 0.0011) for HCV compared to HBV patients; differences in graft survival approached significance (p = 0.0561). Donor age, which was not a risk factor in patients with HBV, was the strongest predictor of graft loss and death in patients with HCV, starting with donors >40 years. Donor age >60 years was the strongest predictor of graft loss and death in patients without viral hepatitis. The risks of graft loss and death were reduced for patients on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil, regardless of disease etiology. There are clear differences in risk factors for poor outcomes based on underlying liver disease, particularly with regard to the impact of donor age.     

HBV and HCV infections in heart transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplant (HTx) recipients risk acquiring hepatotropic viral infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the impact of these infections on post-HTx survival remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to define the prevalence, clinical features, and natural history of HBV and HCV infections in a cohort of HTx recipients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 360 consecutive patients who had undergone HTx. Clinical picture, hepatic injury indexes, and HBV/HCV viral serology were followed post-transplant. RESULTS: During follow-up (average, 8 +/- 3.1 years), 49 (16.5%) of the HTx recipients tested positive for at least 1 of the 2 viruses (3.1% HBV, 12% HCV, 0.5% concomitant infection). The prevalence of HCV infection in heart transplant recipients transplanted before and after 1990 was 28% and 4.2%, respectively, the latter being markedly lower (p < 0.001) than in earlier series of HTx recipients and much lower than expected in the age- and sex-matched general population. All HBV-positive and 58% of HCV-positive recipients developed chronic liver disease. Sixteen percent of patients developed cirrhosis during follow-up, and 8% died of end-stage liver disease. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HBV and HCV in a large population of HTx recipients is not very different from that reported in the general population. Active viral replication of HBV and an aggressive natural history of both infections are seen in HTx recipients, however. The low prevalence of HBV- and HCV-related infection in recent series probably reflects current viral screening and vaccination policies.     

Surveillance snapshot: service members with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV-1, active component, U.S. Armed Forces

Risk factors and routes of transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are similar; therefore, individuals infected with one of these viruses may be coinfected or at high risk of acquiring another infection. Among active component service members diagnosed with HBV infections (n=2,204) between 2000 and 2010, 86 (3.9%) were also diagnosed with HCV and 49 (2.2%) with HIV-1. Among service members diagnosed with HCV infections (n=3,185) between 2000 and 2010, 86 (2.7%) were diagnosed with HBV and 45 (1.4%) with HIV-1. Four service members were diagnosed with HBV, HCV, and HIV-1 during the period (figure below). Individuals diagnosed with HIV-1, HBV, or HCV infections should be tested for coinfections and counseled to prevent acquisitions of similarly transmitted infections.