The bacteria and viral disease transmit to normal host by acupuncture needles

It is very important to understand virus and bacteria infectious disease through acupuncture needles , the acupuncturist have to pay more attention and prevent directly or indirectly transmitting any disease from person to person during treatment .

What are viruses?

Viruses are too small to be seen by the naked eye. They can't multiply on their own, so they have to invade a 'host' cell and take over its machinery in order to be able to make more virus particles.

Viruses consist of genetic materials (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protective coat of protein. They are capable of latching onto cells and getting inside them.

Different types of viruses target different types of host cells. Cold viruses generally attack the mucosa cells lining the upper respiratory tract, while influenza viruses can also attack further down as far as the lungs because they are not covered by protective skin.

• The herpes viruses that cause chicken pox ,
• Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks liver cells.
• Rota-viruses, which cause diarrhea, attack cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.
• The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, is especially deadly because it attacks some of the most important cells of the immune system, the helper T-cells. Because the immune system itself is attacked, the body is unable to rid itself of the virus.

What are bacteria?

Bacteria are organisms made up of just one cell. They are capable of multiplying by themselves, as they have the power to divide. Their shapes vary, and doctors use these characteristics to separate them into groups.

Bacteria exist everywhere, inside and on our bodies. Most of them are completely harmless and some of them are very useful. But some bacteria can cause diseases, either because they end up in the wrong place in the body, or simply because they are 'designed' to invade us.

How are infections with viruses and bacteria through acupuncture treatment ?

Viral and bacterial infections are both spread in basically the same ways.

• A person with a cold can spread the infection by coughing and/or sneezing.
• Bacteria or viruses can be passed on by touching or shaking hands with another person.
• Touching food with dirty hands will also allow viruses or bacteria from the intestine to spread.
• Body fluids such as blood, saliva and semen can contain the infecting organisms and transmission of such fluids, for example by injection or acupuncture needles , is important, particularly for viral infections like hepatitis or AIDS.
• bacterial infections, such as staphylococcal septicaemia and subacute bacterial endocarditis, have been reported in association with acupuncture treatment

What are the high risk factors to transmitted disease by acupuncture needles ?

• skin abrasions
• breaks in mucous membranes
• inadequate sanitation
• inadequate sterilisation
• the acupuncturist who may contract the infection through needle stick injuries whilst handling needles.
• Whilst sterile, disposable needles were used for each patient
• the same saline bottle was reused,with contaminated needles
• to draw fluid for dilution of blood before reinjection.

How to avoid infection

• Regular hand washing is good practice and one of the main ways of reducing transmission of infections (bacterial, viral and fungal) between patients.
• Wounds and skin lesions should be covered with waterproof dressings.
• Protective clothing reduces the spread of infection.
• Blood spillages should be cleaned promptly,
• wearing gloves and using household bleach and paper towels.
• Contaminated items should be discarded in a clinical waste bag.
• disposable needles remove the risks of Hepatitis B and C and HIV

Summary

A microorganism can travel from one host to another in a variety of ways ;

• Direct contact - disease is spread by direct touching ( body fluids of Hepatitis B patient)by the practitioner during treatment
• Blood borne - disease is spread by blood and blood products , when needles infected by HIV patients
• Airborne - disease is spread through air , enter the patient's skin through needle prick injury

Good infection control is essential. Like any other science, new research forces infection control to evolve and refine its procedures. Acupuncturists need to constantly review their standards as new viruses and risks are identified.