Can a needle prick injury cause HIV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a needle stick exposure 11 months ago. When I was trying to insert the IV (Intravenous) in a patient, I accidentally poked myself on my finger. I did a fourth-generation HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody test five months before, and it turned out negative. Recently, I went for a routine check-up, and everything was average except my total WBC (White Blood Cells). It was 3.5 million cells/mm³, and my neutrophils were slightly low. After reading this, my doctor wants me to recheck for HIV and any other infectious diseases. I am not sexually active now, and I am concerned. I am a worried doctor. What are my chances? What are your thoughts? I did have my second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine within 20 days. My query is, would the vaccine be the cause for the increase in WBC?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If the last exposure was before 11 months and there had been no further exposure, then your test result for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will be considered conclusive. The fourth-generation HIV test is highly sensitive and is unlikely to miss infection if there is any. Delayed seroconversion is rarely seen in prolonged immunosuppressive therapy or high-dose steroids for a longer duration. The symptoms that you mentioned are nonspecific and are unlikely to be due to HIV infection. COVID-19 vaccination (Coronavirus Disease-2019) is unlikely to affect your test result for HIV. The majority of your laboratory values are acceptable, including WBC (white blood cells) (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). The chances of HIV acquisition are nonexistent if there is no further exposure.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The fluctuations are just borderline low and may not be related to HIV. You just need multivitamin supplements for a month and a good diet. Kindly repeat your blood counts after a month.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.