Human bite and HIV transmission

The concentration of human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) in the saliva of a carrier is low. As a result, human bite is not considered to be a likely route of HIV infection transmission, and this is even less likely because of the presence of HIV inhibitor in the saliva. There has been no well documented HIV transmission through human bite. The few reported cases of HIV sero-conversion following human bite suggest that there must be blood in the mouth of the biter and a discontinuity in the body part of the bitten for transmission to occur

Human bite and human immune deficiency virus (HIV) transmission

Background: The concentration of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) in the saliva of a carrier is low. As a result, human bite is not considered the traditional route of HIV infection transmission. Aim: To report a case of HIV sero-positivity following a human bite. Setting: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. Case report: A 30-year-old HIV sero-negative woman who became sero-positive following a bite by a known HIV infected commercial sex worker is presented. Both were engaged in a physical fight over a disagreement. Conclusion: This case highlights the possibility of HIV infection through human bite. Keywords: Human bite, Saliva, Transmission, Human immune deficiency virus Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 2 (1) 2007: pp. 88-8