HIV Oral Transmission — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateMicrobiologyHIV Oral TransmissionMFDS Part 1

During dental treatment, fluid splashes onto a clinician’s conjunctiva. Which of the following should be regarded as a potential vehicle for HIV transmission?

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Correct answer: D — Blood-contaminated saliva

The correct answer is D: blood-contaminated saliva. HIV is principally blood-borne, and a splash of blood or a blood-containing fluid onto a mucous membrane, such as the conjunctiva, is a potential transmission exposure requiring prompt risk assessment. Saliva without blood contamination is not regarded as a vehicle for HIV transmission, even though HIV components or antibodies may sometimes be detectable in oral samples. Pure parotid saliva and uncontaminated gingival crevicular fluid are likewise not recognised transmission vehicles. Tears are not implicated in HIV transmission. The decisive feature is therefore blood contamination rather than the salivary origin of the fluid.

Reference: Public Health England, Guidance on management of potential exposure to blood-borne viruses in emergency workers, Chapter 2: Risk of transmission, 2019. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d948c36e5274a2fb1019c1a/Guidance_on_management_of_potential_exposure_to_blood__2_.pdf