Date & Time of Session - 10/8/26 - from 12-1PM

Overview
Antimicrobial Stewardship Lecture Series sessions are designed to expose providers, nurses, and pharmacists to the Unintentional exposures to viral pathogens are a common occurrence and place individuals at risk of serious infections, including hepatitis B, HIV, and other clinically relevant viruses. Effective post-exposure care requires prompt assessment, understanding of transmission characteristics, and timely initiation of appropriate prophylaxis when indicated. 

Despite established guidelines, management of these exposures remains complex due to differences in recommendations among pathogens, the time-sensitive nature of prophylaxis, and the need to individualize care based on patient-specific factors. Limited evidence for certain viruses, particularly hepatitis C, further contributes to uncertainty in clinical decision-making. Pharmacists play an important role in assessing exposure risk, recommending appropriate prophylactic regimens, counseling patients, and coordinating follow-up care. 

This presentation will address key knowledge gaps by reviewing the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and transmission of common viral pathogens, while also discussing current guideline recommendations and analyzing primary literature evaluating post-exposure management. The goal of this session is to improve evidence-based decision-making and patient care following viral exposures.
 
Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Compare the pathophysiology, epidemiology, etiology, and modes of transmission of hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), rabies virus, and other clinically relevant viral infections.
2. Discuss current guideline recommendations for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including indications, timing of initiation, recommended pharmacologic regimens, duration of therapy, and appropriate follow-up monitoring for viral exposures.
3. Evaluate the available primary literature supporting post-exposure prophylaxis strategies, including the quality of evidence, clinical outcomes, and remaining knowledge gaps.
4. Apply evidence-based recommendations to a patient case to determine appropriate post-exposure management and optimize patient counseling and follow-up.

Speakers
Carolyn Fitch, PharmD
PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident
UofL Health – Louisville, Kentucky