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High cost of silence: Needlestick injuries and the persistence of hepatitis B virus risk among healthcare trainees
Janaina Luz Narciso-Schiavon, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Author contributions: Narciso-Schiavon JL solely contributed to the conception, literature review, manuscript writing, revision of the manuscript, and approved the final version for publication.
AI contribution statement: Artificial intelligence tools (ChatGPT, OpenAI) were used exclusively for language editing and clarity improvement. The author critically reviewed and verified all AI-assisted suggestions, approved the final content, and takes full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy, and scientific validity of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The author declares no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Janaina Luz Narciso-Schiavon, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Depart
Received: April 29, 2026
Revised: July 18, 2026
Accepted: August 25, 2026
Published online: September 25, 2026
Processing time: 143 Days and 16.6 Hours
Revised: July 18, 2026
Accepted: August 25, 2026
Published online: September 25, 2026
Processing time: 143 Days and 16.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: High hepatitis B virus seroprotection rates among healthcare trainees may create a false sense of safety. The study by Jaho et al shows that protective antibody levels (antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen) often coexist with frequent needlestick injuries and underreporting. Protection in clinical training is not only biological but also procedural. It requires verification of immune status before exposure and clear, acce