David J. Acer

David J. Acer
Born(1949-11-11)November 11, 1949
DiedSeptember 3, 1990(1990-09-03) (aged 40)
Cause of deathAIDS
EducationOhio State University College of Dentistry
OccupationDentist
Known forallegedly infecting patients with HIV

David J. Acer (November 11, 1949 – September 3, 1990) was an American dentist who allegedly infected six of his patients, including Kimberly Bergalis, with HIV.[1] The Acer case is considered the first documented HIV transmission from a healthcare worker to a patient in the United States,[2] though the means of transmission remain unknown.[3] The high-profile case led to public controversy regarding HIV testing and disclosure for healthcare workers.[4]

  1. ^ Hiaasen, Rob (September 29, 1991). "Dr. Acer's Deadly Secret: How AIDS joined the lives of a dentist and his patients". The Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  2. ^ Myers, Gerald (1 December 1994). "Molecular Investigation of HIV Transmission". Annals of Internal Medicine. 121 (11): 889–890. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-121-11-199412010-00012. PMID 7978704. S2CID 45632335. Retrieved 27 September 2021.}
  3. ^ Tanner, Lindsay (1 April 2001). "Experts Still Baffled Over HIV Infection by Dentist". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  4. ^ Reed, Barry S. (1992). "Testing Health Care Workers for AIDS". Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy. 8: 237–244. PMID 10128718. Retrieved 27 September 2021.