[A study of occupational blood and body fluid exposure among nursing staff at a reference hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina].

Objectives: To determine the frequency of occupational blood and body fluids exposure (OBBFE) among the nursing staff at the Dr. Diego Paroissien Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina; analyze the possible risk factors associated; and assess the level of knowledge regarding universal precautions and control procedures following exposure:

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using a voluntary and anonymous survey administered between April and May 2005. In addition to personal and professional data, information was collected on knowledge and practice of universal precautions and procedures, OBBFE experienced, barriers to following the standards, and whether or not the Hepatitis B vaccine had been received.

[Occupational exposure to hepatitis C virus].

Occupational exposure to Hepatitis C virus is an area of growing concern due to a lack of prophylaxis and limited knowledge regarding prevalence in hospital environment. Between 1999 and 2003, a total of 128 occupational exposures to this virus were registered in Diego Paroissien Hospital, eight of which led to hepatitis (6.3%) and one case to serum conversion (0.