Which blood-borne pathogen poses the greatest risk of transmission to healthcare workers following a needlestick injury?

Among blood-borne pathogens, HBV poses the greatest transmission risk to healthcare workers via needlestick injury. The risk of HBV transmission from a single needlestick from an HBsAg-positive source ranges from 6–30% (up to 62% if the source is HBeAg-positive). By comparison, HCV transmission risk is approximately 1.8%, and HIV transmission risk is approximately 0.3%. HBV is highly stable on surfaces for up to 7 days and has a very high viral load in blood. This is why HBV vaccination is mandatory for dental healthcare workers. Post-exposure prophylaxis with HBIG + vaccine series is available for unvaccinated workers.