Results of Look-back Studies

Here are the main findings of look-back studies of HIV-infected health care workers.

· 64 HIV-positive health care workers investigated

· 22,171 patients tested

· For 37 of 51 workers, no seropositive patients among 13,063 patients

· Of remaining 14 workers, 113 patients tested positive

· Laboratory follow-up on 110 of 113 patients shows:

- 62 had established risk factors for HI

- 28 had prior HIV infection

- 15 had opportunities for exposure, such as multiple sex partners

- 5 had no identifiable risk. 4 of 5 treated by dentist who practiced in high-risk area

- 3 of 5 showed genetic fingerprints unrelated to provider

Profiles of infected health care workers investigated:

· 29 dentists

· 12 nonsurgical physicians

· 10 surgeons

· 4 obstetricians

· 4 dental students

· 2 surgical technicians

· 1 podiatrist

· 1 dental assistant

· 1 medical student

Source: Rober L, Chamberland M, Cleveland J, et al. Investigations of patients of health care workers infected with HIV. Ann Intern Med 1995; 122:653-657.