In an editorial on bmj.com today, experts are demanding further funding to establish appropriate infection control guidelines to deal with the growing number of acupuncture-transmitted diseases.
The number of reported cases is described as "the tip of the iceberg" by Professor Patrick Woo and colleagues from the University of Hong Kong.
Acupuncture is one of the most widely practiced strands of alternative medicine. It is based on the theory that inserting and manipulating fine needles at specific points in the body helps to promote the flow of Qi or energy.
Professor Woo is the lead author. He argues that acupuncture may pose risks to patients as needles are inserted up to several centimeters beneath the skin.
Most patients recover from infections. However, Professor Woo explains that 5 to 10 percent of the reported pyogenic bacterial infections end up with serious problems including:
• joint destruction
• multi-organ failure
• flesh eating disease
• paralysis
Most infections caused are bacterial. But Woo comments there have been outbreaks of hepatitis B, and perhaps cases of hepatitis C and HIV that are believed to have been transmitted via acupuncture.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182822.php
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