Can HIV be transmitted via contact with feces?
Exposure to feces does not pose a risk for infection with HIV, unless there is blood present in the feces and that comes into contact with your mucous membranes or bloodstream. Contact with feces alone has never been documented as a vehicle for HIV transmission. It is as important to remember that there is no evidence that HIV is transmitted through contact with objects in your day-to-day environment (like the toilet seat in the bathroom). Contact with feces does pose a risk for infection with hepatitis A virus, parasites, and bacteria, so it is important to be aware of any feces coming into contact with your mouth. Getting a hepatitis A/B vaccine is a good idea if you are sexually active (especially for gay men) or in a region where hepatitis A/B is prevalent.
