HIV Transmission Through Gastric Secretions

Body Fluids That Are NOT Infectious for HIV

• The U.S. Public Health Service guidelines state that the following fluids are not considered potentially infectious for HIV unless they contain visible blood: feces, nasal secretions, saliva, sputum, sweat, tears, urine, and vomitus (including gastric contents) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• The risk for HIV transmission from these fluids and materials is low 1, 2, 3, 4

Body Fluids That ARE Potentially Infectious

• The following are considered potentially infectious for HIV: blood and visibly bloody body fluids, semen and vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and amniotic fluid 1, 2, 3, 4

Important Caveats About Gastric Exposure

• HIV-associated gastric achlorhydria (reduced stomach acid production) may facilitate acquisition of enteric bacterial infections in HIV-infected persons 5

Clinical Bottom Line

• Gastric secretions do not transmit HIV, and healthcare workers exposed to vomitus or gastric contents from HIV-infected individuals do not require post-exposure prophylaxis unless these fluids contain visible blood 1, 2, 3, 4