An HIV-1 Transmission Case Possibly Associated with Manicure Care

Abstract

A recently diagnosed 22-year-old female with no history of transmission risk factors prompted a thorough investigation of possible alternative risk factors. As the patient had evidence of advanced disease and laboratory data compatible with long-standing infection, past events were reviewed. About 10 years ago the patient shared manicure utensils with an older cousin, later known to be HIV infected; this prompted the phylogenetic analysis of the HIV sequences of both patients. Phylogenetic analyses of partial HIV-1 polymerase and envelope sequences from both patients revealed highly related sequences, with an estimated common ancestor date (about 11 years ago) that coincided with the putative sharing of manicure instruments, during a time in which the cousin was not virally suppressed. Taken together, the information about the infection of this patient suggests the use of shared manicure instruments as an alternative route of fomite HIV-1 transmission.

A Cross Section Study to Determine the Prevalence of Antibodies against HIV Infection among Hepatitis B and C Infected Individuals

“…Some risk factors for HIV acquisition were common in both groups of HBV+ and HCV+ individuals, such as a history of intravenous medicine administration, dental procedures, earrings/piercings, and having manicures and pedicures. Recently, sharing nonsterilised manicure/pedicure instruments was described as a possible route of HIV-1 transmission [ 27 ]. On the other hand, consumption of alcohol was more frequent among HBV+ individuals, but a history of illicit narcotic substances was more common among HCV+ individuals.…”

Epidemiological and molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus infection in manicurists in Central Brazil

“…In addition, it is necessary to be cautious with the results of this study, as it is not possible to affirm that the transmission of blood-borne diseases could not occur between clients, once several other studies already reference to cases where diseases transmission occurred through nail care. 22,23,39,40 On the other hand, 259 (50.4%) manicurists and pedicurists in this study did not have any markers of HBV infection, including isolated anti-HBs marker, which means vaccinal immunity. This is an important result as it shows that half of these professionals were still susceptible to HBV infection.…”

“…This limitation was shown considering that the prevalence was significantly higher in the central region of the city, where the beauty salons have a greater amount of customers. In addition, it is necessary to be cautious with the results of this study, as it is not possible to affirm that the transmission of blood‐borne diseases could not occur between clients, once several other studies already reference to cases where diseases transmission occurred through nail care …”

“…Some studies have shown that blood-borne viruses may be transmitted between clients while receiving nail care, 13,22,23 but there is limited research involving the professionals who provide this service. In this study, the prevalence of HBV infection in manicurists and pedicurists was 5.6% for total anti-HBc.…”

Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors in Cameroon: evidence for the design of an Africa‐specific donor history questionnaire

“…This local behavior is not exactly similar to having multiple sexual partners because the polygamy arrangement is stable and could be assumed to be safer than the former. The use of nonsterilized medical instruments is a recognized transmission route of HIV; we identified clitoral excision as a possible risk factor for HIV, most likely by this mechanism. However, the limited number of women (n = 5) who disclosed excision is not enough to make a definitive conclusion.…”