Narciso-Schiavon JL. High cost of silence: Needlestick injuries and the persistence of hepatitis B virus risk among healthcare trainees. World J Virol 2026; 15(3): 122794 [DOI: 10.5501/wjv.122794]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Janaina Luz Narciso-Schiavon, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Santa Catarina, Brazil. janaina.narciso@uol.com.br
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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editorial
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Narciso-Schiavon JL. High cost of silence: Needlestick injuries and the persistence of hepatitis B virus risk among healthcare trainees. World J Virol 2026; 15(3): 122794 [DOI: 10.5501/wjv.122794]
World J Virol. Sep 25, 2026; 15(3): 122794 Published online Sep 25, 2026. doi: 10.5501/wjv.122794
High cost of silence: Needlestick injuries and the persistence of hepatitis B virus risk among healthcare trainees
Janaina Luz Narciso-Schiavon
Janaina Luz Narciso-Schiavon, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Author contributions: Narciso-Schiavon JL solely contributed to the conception, literature review, manuscript writing, revision of the manuscript, and approved the final version for publication.
AI contribution statement: Artificial intelligence tools (ChatGPT, OpenAI) were used exclusively for language editing and clarity improvement. The author critically reviewed and verified all AI-assisted suggestions, approved the final content, and takes full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy, and scientific validity of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The author declares no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Janaina Luz Narciso-Schiavon, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Santa Catarina, Brazil. janaina.narciso@uol.com.br
Received: April 29, 2026 Revised: July 18, 2026 Accepted: August 25, 2026 Published online: September 25, 2026 Processing time: 143 Days and 17 Hours
Abstract
The study by Jaho et al published in the World Journal of Virology highlights a compelling paradox in occupational health: While a robust 86.6% of 134 Albanian health sciences students demonstrate seroprotection (antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen ≥ 10 IU/L), a staggering 64.5% report at least one needlestick injury during training. This high prevalence of exposure is compounded by a culture of silence, with one-third of incidents remaining unreported. This editorial analyzes why high seroprotection rates should not lead to institutional complacency. It argues that the specific vulnerability observed among midwifery students and the lack of systematic post-vaccination serological testing represent critical system gaps. Instead of relying solely on historical vaccination records, institutions should adopt guideline-based strategies for assessing hepatitis B immune status before clinical exposure, while fostering non-punitive reporting pathways. Bridging the gap between immunological protection and clinical behaviour is essential to safeguard those at the frontline of care.
Core Tip: High hepatitis B virus seroprotection rates among healthcare trainees may create a false sense of safety. The study by Jaho et al shows that protective antibody levels (antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen) often coexist with frequent needlestick injuries and underreporting. Protection in clinical training is not only biological but also procedural. It requires verification of immune status before exposure and clear, accessible post-exposure pathways. Without these systems, a meaningful minority of trainees remains at risk despite apparent vaccination success.
