What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious materials in blood that can cause disease when transmitted from an infected individual to another individual through blood and certain body fluids.
Bloodborne pathogens are capable of causing serious illness and death. The three most common illnesses caused by bloodborne pathogens are:
- hepatitis B (HBV),
- hepatitis C (HCV), and
- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from HIV, resulting from human immunodeficiency virus.
Other commonly recognized pathogens transmitted by body fluids include:
- West Nile Virus
- Malaria
- Syphilis
Bloodborne Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming more common in the healthcare setting and may be transmitted primarily by contact with infected patients or surfaces causing mild to serious illness and even death.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. What are the three primary bloodborne pathogens employees must be aware of due to occupational exposure?
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