Warning of the risk of hepatitis B and HIV infection through hair cutting tools in South Africa

South African scientists have just warned about the risk of virus and even HIV transmission through hair cutting tools.

The reporter in Pretoria quoted a scientific report published in the South African Medical Journal, saying that most tools such as razors or trimmer are likely to get blood and pass from one person to another , especially with those who have a habit of skinheads - the first type is quite popular not only in Africa but also in other parts of the world like North America and Europe.

In theory, it is possible to risk HIV transmission through this route.(Illustration).

Dr. Zandile Spengane, University of Cape Town professor, head of the study, said the research team had reached 50 barber shops in South Africa, offering to exchange old hair clippers for new tools. These old tools are then brought back to the laboratory to perform biochemical tests. Results showed that 42% of blood-stained instruments were in circulation, of which 8% were positive for hepatitis B virus.

According to Dr. Spengane, although no HIV virus has been found on devices that are returned to the laboratory, it is theoretically possible to cross this path.

According to scientists, the transmission of hepatitis B is similar to HIV, including blood sugar, sex, and mother-to-child transmission. In which, mainly blood sugar, blood transfusion, viral or injecting drug .

In addition, there may be some cases of transmission of hepatitis B such as sharing equipment that may be contaminated with blood from patients such as razors, toothbrushes.

Hepatitis B virus is also spread through scratches, unpasteurized tattoo and ear piercing equipment.