HCV and biting by a teething baby

[MamaKCS]

Hi there-My son's grandfather is Hep C positive for many years. My baby bit him on the arm and made him bleed. The arm was covered by a tee shirt and I do not believe any blood got into the baby's mouth, but I am not certain. We didn't even notice the blood until a few minutes later and his grandfather bleeds so easily so I really don't think blood got in there. Anyways, my baby is teething and has a few coming through at once, so his gums are always inflamed with exposed tooth buds. I know you need blood-to-blood contact to contract this. Should I be concerned about this incident? I guess my question is does an exposed tooth bud classify as "blood." Thank you in advance.  

[MamaKCS]

Thank you for your response. I did ask his pediatrician who also felt confident this was an extremely unlikely chance given the scenario. He also said most studies have shown that a person would need to get a moderate amount of infected blood in their mouth (not just a drop) for transmission to occur. He told me not to worry and just to be 100% he will include this testing in his one year bloodwork so neither of us have any doubts.

Thank you for your professional opinion as well. It is greatly appreciated.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

The likelihood of transmission in this case would be minimal.  The wound was covered by a T-shirt and it is unlikely that your son came in contact with the blood.  I would tell your son's pediatrician about this so that he/she can give their opinion as well.  Good luck.

Bridget