Bloodborne Infection Risks: HIV, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea Concerns - Internal Medicine

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Blood infection issues?


Hello Doctor, I am the person who previously had a small abrasion near the penile frenulum due to masturbation.
I am concerned that while using the restroom at work, my hands might touch external surfaces like the restroom doorknob or faucet, and then inadvertently touch the abrasion, potentially leading to an infection with HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea (I have not engaged in sexual intercourse).
After researching online about HIV transmission routes, I have several questions:
1.
I read that HIV-infected blood (such as blood in a syringe) does not die immediately in the air.
The higher the concentration, the longer it survives, potentially up to three days.
Does this mean that blood must remain inside the syringe to avoid dying immediately?
2.
If blood is outside in the environment, such as on a restroom doorknob or faucet, does it die immediately?
3.
I also saw that "HIV cannot survive in the air, water, or food; it dies quickly in the external environment, even in blood and other bodily fluids containing HIV.
Outside of a laboratory or closed environment (like a syringe or needle), HIV cannot remain active.
So, if blood from someone else's wound is in the external environment, it would die quickly, correct?"
4.
Or does blood that has flowed out and adhered to external surfaces like a restroom doorknob or faucet still contain HIV and not die immediately?
5.
Given my situation with the abrasion near the frenulum, if I check the wound in the restroom and my hands first touch external surfaces like the doorknob or faucet before touching the abrasion, is there a risk of HIV infection?
6.
If I touch a doorknob that has HIV-infected blood or bodily fluid and then touch my abrasion, could this lead to an HIV infection? Why or why not?
7.
Similarly, if I touch external surfaces like a restroom doorknob or faucet that may have blood or bodily fluids and then touch my abrasion, is there still no risk of syphilis or gonorrhea infection?
8.
Based on my described actions, along with the abrasion near the frenulum and the information I found online about transmission methods, do I have a risk of infection? Should I get a blood test?
9.
Or do these sexually transmitted viruses, such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea, die quickly in the air and not adhere to external surfaces like doorknobs or faucets?
10.
I read online that HIV dies in the external environment in about 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and that syphilis and gonorrhea also die quickly.
Is this correct?
11.
Is there a higher risk of infection with HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea because my abrasion is on the skin near the frenulum, and if I touch external surfaces that may have blood or bodily fluids, then touch that abrasion?
12.
Is it easier to contract HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea due to the location of the abrasion being on the genital area, leading to indirect contact with the wound?
13.
I saw a common question in medical literature asking, "If someone has secretions on their hands and then touches my wound after cleaning it, will I be infected?" The doctor responded that "secretions from the genital area are infectious, and the remaining infectious potential depends on the level of cleanliness (e.g., 'just wiped with tissue' or 'rinsed with water' or 'cleaned with soap').
However, for gonorrhea or syphilis, transmission through a typical skin abrasion is unlikely (unless the wound is also on the genital area)." Is this similar to my situation where I might touch blood or fluid on a doorknob and then touch my abrasion? Since it also involves hand contact, does this increase the likelihood of infection with HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea?
14.
Is it true that with a small abrasion near the frenulum, touching blood or bodily fluids and then touching that abrasion does not pose a risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea?
15.
Would a larger wound that bleeds significantly be necessary for indirect transmission of HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea through hand contact?
16.
Finally, do you think that based on the actions described—touching external surfaces like a restroom doorknob or faucet and then touching the abrasion near the frenulum—I need to undergo specific blood tests for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/24

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine


1 and 2: Yes
3 and 4: It depends on the situation
5 to 12: No, because there are currently no clinical cases like this
13: The situation varies; your condition will not
14: No
15: There is no definitive conclusion; it depends on the situation
16: Not necessary

Reply Date: 2019/07/24

More Info


Understanding the risks associated with bloodborne infections such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea is crucial, especially in situations where there may be potential exposure to contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids. Let's address your concerns systematically.

1. Survival of HIV in the Environment: HIV is a fragile virus that does not survive long outside the human body. When blood containing HIV is exposed to air, the virus begins to die rapidly. Studies indicate that HIV can survive for only a few minutes to a couple of hours outside the body, depending on environmental conditions. In a syringe, where the blood is protected from air exposure, the virus can survive longer, potentially up to several days if kept in a suitable environment. However, once blood is exposed to air, such as on a doorknob or faucet, the virus's viability decreases significantly.

2. Risk of Infection from Environmental Surfaces: If you touch a doorknob or faucet that has been contaminated with blood from an HIV-positive individual, the risk of infection is extremely low. For HIV to be transmitted, the virus must enter the bloodstream through a direct route, such as an open wound. In your case, if your hands have touched these surfaces and then you touch a small cut or abrasion, the likelihood of HIV transmission is minimal, especially if the blood has been exposed to air for any length of time.

3. Transmission of Other STIs: Similar to HIV, syphilis and gonorrhea are also primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. The risk of contracting these infections through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces is very low. These bacteria do not survive long outside the human body, and the transmission typically requires direct mucosal contact, such as during sexual activity.

4. Specific Concerns Regarding Your Situation: Given that you have a small cut near your genital area, it is understandable to be concerned about potential infection. However, the scenario you described—touching a potentially contaminated surface and then touching your cut—does not typically pose a significant risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. The key factors are the viability of the virus or bacteria outside the body and the nature of the contact.
5. Need for Testing: If you are still concerned about your risk, it may be prudent to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can assess your specific situation and determine if testing is necessary. However, based on the information provided, the risk of transmission through the actions you've described is very low.

6. General Recommendations: To minimize any risk of infection in the future, practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, especially after using public facilities. If you have any open wounds, it is advisable to cover them properly to prevent any potential exposure to contaminants.

In summary, while it is always wise to be cautious about potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the specific circumstances you described do not present a significant risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea transmission. If you have ongoing concerns or experience any symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a good course of action.

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