Scientists trace HIV back to shared manicure tool - but remind its a rare finding

19-Nov-2014 - Last updated on 19-Nov-2014 at 16:42 GMT

Although beauty instruments used for manicures are not on the list of sources of HIV transmission, the University of São Paulo has looked into a case where the virus could have been passed on from sharing manicure tools.

An article published in the peer-reviewed journal 'Research and Human Retroviruses' features the case of a 22-year-old woman who had advanced HIV but no apparent risk factors for acquiring the virus.

HIV transfers from one person to the next through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, and rectal fluids, and must enter directly into a person’s bloodstream or come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue. Manicure equipment is a unique means for transmission, in the same way a dinner fork could serve the same purpose. Both are highly unlikely in any case.

However, in 'An HIV-1 Transmission Case Possibly Associated with Manicure Care', Elaine Monteiro Matsuda and co-authors from Santo André AIDS Program, Adolfo Lutz Institute, and University of São Paulo, Brazil determined the woman and her cousin shared a common viral ancestor, dating back to 11 years ago, that coincided with the cousin sharing the manicure instruments with someone else.

During this time, the researchers claim the cousin must not have been virally suppressed.

The case should “make people aware that sharing any utensils with possible blood-blood contact, such as needles used for drugs, tattoos, or acupuncture can result in transmission of viruses such as hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV,” Foley said.

Rare finding

According to Dr. Brian Foley, of the HIV Sequence Database at the Los Alamos National Laboratory; "This transmission of HIV by shared manicure equipment is a very rare event that should serve not to make people fear HIV or contact with HIV-infected people.”

"In addition, there are other common viruses and bacteria that can also be spread by sharing equipment without proper disinfection between users," he notes.

As Foley points out, the risks of new infection sources are still decidedly low. However the study is a reminder that manicure equipment must be sterilized.

The article appears in special issue on HIV Prevention Science and is available free on the AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses website until December 10, 2014.