ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence of risk factors for blood-borne infections in a city with a low prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we confidentially surveyed 397 adult inpatients in three community hospitals. Twenty-one percent of inpatients reported one or more risk factors, 56% denied risks, 15% were unable to respond, and 8% declined to respond. Inpatients reporting a blood-borne infection risk factor, those declining response, and those denying risk were of comparable age, sex, race, and marital status. On medical floors, 28% of patients reported risk; on surgical floors, 23%; in intensive care units, 11%; and on obstetric floors, 5%. A recent blood transfusion (59%) and history of hepatitis (40%) were reported most often. Only 2.4% of persons with risks reported being positive for HIV antibody; however, 24% of reported risks were those frequently associated with HIV infection. By using history alone to determine isolation categories and by classifying patients unable to respond and those declining response as potentially infectious, more than 40% of our community's inpatients would require blood and body fluid precautions. This high historical risk supports use of a type of body substance isolation for all patients.
Subject(s)
Cross Infection/etiology , Hospitals, Community/statistics & numerical data , Cross Infection/blood , Cross Infection/transmission , Female , HIV Infections/etiology , HIV Infections/transmission , Hospital Bed Capacity, 100 to 299 , Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499 , Humans , Male , Michigan , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Transfusion ReactionABSTRACT
The effect of selenium on immune responses in animals and humans is controversial. It has been reported that phagocytosis as a part of the immune function is affected by selenium deficiency. We conducted a study to investigate the effect of selenium on the phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in normal healthy individuals before and after selenium supplementation. Ingestion of sodium selenite 400 micrograms/day (182.8 micrograms pure selenium) resulted in a significant increase in plasma selenium levels. The phagocytic function of PMNs was measured by ingestion of Oil Red O paraffin droplets and chemiluminescence tests. The phagocytic function was increased, but the results before and after selenium supplementation were not significant. It was concluded that inorganic selenium was not an efficient stimulating agent of phagocytosis in humans.
