II. Pathophysiology: Transmission
- See Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Airborne Transmission
- Animal Bite Transmission
- Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure
- Skin-to-skin transmission
- Droplet Transmission
- Anthrax
- Diphtheria
- Influenza
- Group A Streptococcal invasive disease
- Meningococcemia
- Pertussis
- Plague
- Fecal-Oral Transmission
III. Approach: Post-exposure
- Is the source patient infected with a communicable infection?
- Perform history, exam, labs and diagnostics if patient available and unknown status
- Was the source patient infectious at the time of exposure?
- Determine the timing of source patient's infection (onset and resolution)
- Characterize the exposure
- Mechanism of suspected transmission (e.g. bloodborne, mucous membranes, body fluids, skin contact)
- Frequency of exposure (e.g. frequent intercourse with the source patient)
- Severity of exposure (e.g. depth of needle insertion, needle gauge, volume of exposure, viral load)
- Is the exposed patient susceptible to the transmitted infection?
- Was adequate Personal Protection Equipment used?
- Obtain infection and Immunization history from exposed patient
- Consider Serology to confirm Immunity
- Do not delay Post-exposure Prophylaxis in serious conditions regardless of Immunity history
- Follow protocol specific to the exposed condition
- See protocol links below
- Obtain appropriate history, examination and labs
- Deliver appropriate Antimicrobial Agents
- Establish follow-up test per protocol
IV. Management: Conditions with Post-exposure Prophylaxis protocols
- Blood-borne pathogen exposure
- See Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure (Needlestick Injury)
- HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis
- Hepatitis B Postexposure Prophylaxis
- No Hepatitis C Postexposure Prophylaxis protocol exists as of 2013
- Viral Infection exposure
- Bacterial Infection exposure