Can Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) survive on a surface?

From the Guidelines

HIV cannot survive for long on surfaces outside the human body, and the risk of transmission through casual contact with surfaces or objects is extremely low. The virus typically dies within a few hours once exposed to the environment, as it requires specific conditions to remain viable, including a moist environment and human body temperature 1. When exposed to air, drying, or environmental changes, the virus quickly becomes inactive. Common household disinfectants like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol-based cleaners can easily kill HIV on surfaces 1.

Key Points to Consider

• The virus primarily spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk entering another person's bloodstream through cuts, mucous membranes, or direct injection.
• HIV transmission occurs through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, rather than through casual contact with surfaces or objects 1.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with a detergent and a freshly prepared 1:100 dilution of household bleach can effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission 1.

Recommendations for Surface Decontamination

• Contaminated environmental surfaces should be cleaned with a detergent and then treated with a freshly prepared 1:100 dilution of household bleach with contact time of at least 1 minute 1.
• Visible organic matter should be removed with absorbable material and discarded into a leak-proof, properly labeled container before cleaning and decontaminating 1.
• Gloves should be worn during cleaning to prevent skin contact with potentially contaminated surfaces 1.

From the Research

Surface Survival of HIV

• The survival of HIV on surfaces is not directly addressed in the provided studies, which focus on cleaning and disinfection procedures in healthcare settings 2, 3, 4 and the safety and implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis 5, 6.
• However, it can be inferred that HIV, like other pathogens, can survive on contaminated surfaces and contribute to the transmission of healthcare-associated infections 2, 3.
• The studies emphasize the importance of proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces to prevent the transmission of pathogens, including HIV 2, 3, 4.
• The exact duration of HIV survival on surfaces is not specified in the provided studies, but it is likely to be influenced by factors such as the type of surface, environmental conditions, and the presence of disinfectants 4.

Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures

• The studies recommend a comprehensive approach to healthcare hygiene, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and disinfection of surfaces and clinical equipment 2, 3, 4.
• The selection of appropriate disinfectants and cleaning equipment is crucial to prevent the transmission of pathogens, including HIV 3, 4.
• Regular monitoring and feedback on cleaning and disinfection practices are essential to ensure compliance and effectiveness 3, 4.

HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

• The studies on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis focus on the safety and implementation of emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) as a preventive measure against HIV infection 5, 6.
• While these studies do not directly address the survival of HIV on surfaces, they highlight the importance of preventive measures to reduce the risk of HIV transmission 5, 6.