Bloodborne Pathogens: Understanding Risks & Transmission

Blood-borne pathogens are disease-causing organisms found in blood, medications made from blood (such as immunoglobulin) and other bodily fluids. Interchange of these fluids can transmit disease from one individual to another. These pathogens can cause serious illness, chronic infection and death.

Hepatitis

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are transmitted as blood-borne pathogens that attack the liver. These are two of the pathogens that led to the development of the Occupation Safety and Health Administration's blood-borne pathogen guidelines.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• The HIV pathogen, which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is another of the significant blood-borne pathogens of concern to OSHA and medical professionals.

Other Pathogens

• Other disease-causing viruses, bacteria, fungi and single-celled organisms can act as blood-borne pathogens. These include malaria, syphilis, arbovirus infections, brucellosis, dengue fever, leptospirosis, relapsing fever, tetanus, viral hemorrhagic fever and other organisms.

Spreading the Disease

• Blood-borne pathogens are transmitted when infected blood or body fluids enter another person's body by introduction into cuts and abrasions, through sexual contact, or through punctures from needles, scalpel blades, broken glass or other sharp objects.

Individual Protection

• Face shields, gloves, goggles and gowns are among the personal protective equipment used to prevent spread of pathogens.

Universal Precautions

• The procedures that treat all persons as potentially infected are called universal precautions. Following them protects you and prevents the spread of pathogens from one person to another.