Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Definition

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a preventive treatment started immediately after exposure to a pathogen to prevent infection or disease.

Types of PEP

• HIV PEP: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV to prevent infection.
• Rabies PEP: Immediate wound cleaning, followed by a dose of rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent rabies infection.
• Hepatitis PEP: Administration of hepatitis A or B immune globulin and/or vaccination to prevent hepatitis infection.

When to Use PEP

• Occupational exposure: Healthcare workers exposed to bodily fluids, needles, or other sharp objects.
• Sexual assault: Victims of sexual assault exposed to bodily fluids.
• Animal bites: People bitten or scratched by animals potentially infected with rabies or other diseases.
• Needlestick injuries: Individuals exposed to contaminated needles or sharps.

Key Principles

• Timeliness: PEP should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 1-2 hours.
• Compliance: Completing the full treatment regimen is crucial for effective prevention.
• Risk assessment: Healthcare professionals should assess the risk of transmission and determine the appropriate PEP regimen.

HIV PEP Regimen

• Triple therapy: Combination of three antiretroviral medications taken for 28 days.
• Initiation: Started within 72 hours of exposure, but the sooner the better.
• Monitoring: Regular blood tests to monitor for HIV infection and potential side effects.

Importance of PEP

• Prevents infection: PEP can significantly reduce the risk of infection or disease transmission.
• Reduces morbidity and mortality: Timely and effective PEP can prevent serious health consequences.
• Enhances public health: PEP contributes to the control and prevention of infectious diseases.

Definition

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a preventive treatment to prevent infection or disease after exposure to a pathogen.

Types of PEP

• HIV PEP involves taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
• Rabies PEP involves immediate wound cleaning, followed by a dose of rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccinations.
• Hepatitis PEP involves administering hepatitis A or B immune globulin and/or vaccination.

When to Use PEP

• Occupational exposure: PEP is used for healthcare workers exposed to bodily fluids, needles, or other sharp objects.
• Sexual assault: PEP is used for victims of sexual assault exposed to bodily fluids.
• Animal bites: PEP is used for people bitten or scratched by animals potentially infected with rabies or other diseases.
• Needlestick injuries: PEP is used for individuals exposed to contaminated needles or sharps.

Key Principles

• PEP should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 1-2 hours.
• Completing the full treatment regimen is crucial for effective prevention.
• Risk assessment is necessary to determine the appropriate PEP regimen.

HIV PEP Regimen

• HIV PEP involves a combination of three antiretroviral medications taken for 28 days.
• The regimen should be started within 72 hours of exposure, but the sooner the better.
• Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor for HIV infection and potential side effects.

Importance of PEP

• PEP can significantly reduce the risk of infection or disease transmission.
• Timely and effective PEP can prevent serious health consequences.
• PEP contributes to the control and prevention of infectious diseases.