Can HIV Be Contracted Through Ingestion Of Another's Blood?

Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015

Question: I got into a fight with someone,and thier finger got in my mouth,and I bit thier finger drawing blood.I'm at risk for HIV

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rare risk of HIV transmission should following conditions hold good

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

1. There is a remote chance of HIV transmission by biting in to the finger of another person due to a bleeding wound.

2. The chances of HIV are present only if the following conditions hold good
The other person should be HIV infected and have a high viral load
The cut should be deep and sufficient blood should flow out of the wound and in to your mouth.
There should be mucosal wound in your oral cavity.

3. Even with the above conditions being met, the risk of HIV infection is rare. For peace of mind you might get a fourth generation rapid test for screening HIV done.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar