What are blood borne pathogens?

From the Guidelines

Blood borne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease, including viruses like Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as well as bacteria and parasites. These pathogens are transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials such as semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, and amniotic fluid 1. Healthcare workers, emergency responders, and others who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids are at highest risk of exposure. Transmission typically occurs through needlestick injuries, cuts from contaminated sharp objects, or when infected blood enters through mucous membranes or broken skin.

Key Pathogens

• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Hepatitis C (HCV)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Prevention Measures

• Universal precautions like wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection)
• Proper handling and disposal of sharps
• Hand hygiene
• Vaccination against Hepatitis B

Post-Exposure Protocols

• Immediate washing of the exposed area
• Reporting the incident
• Potentially receiving post-exposure prophylaxis medications depending on the type of exposure and pathogen involved 1. Education is also a crucial aspect of prevention, as highlighted in other studies 1, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proper protocols in reducing the risk of transmission.

From the FDA Drug Label

When medicinal biological products are administered, the risk of infectious diseases due to transmission of pathogens cannot be totally excluded However, in the case of products prepared from human plasma, the risk of transmission of pathogens is reduced by epidemiological surveillance of the donor population and selection of individual donors by medical interview; testing of individual donations and plasma pools; and the presence in the manufacturing processes of steps with demonstrated capacity to inactivate/remove pathogen Products made from human plasma may contain infectious agents, such as viruses, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) agent that can cause disease

Blood borne pathogens are infectious agents, such as:

• Viruses
• Theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) agent 2 2

From the Research

Definition of Blood Borne Pathogens

• Blood borne pathogens are microorganisms that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, such as saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• These pathogens can cause a range of diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Examples of Blood Borne Pathogens

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 3, 4, 5, 7
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) 3, 4, 5, 6

Transmission of Blood Borne Pathogens

• Blood borne pathogens can be transmitted through:
  • Percutaneous exposure (e.g., needlestick injuries) 3, 4, 5
  • Mucosal exposure (e.g., contact with infected bodily fluids) 3, 4, 5
  • Contact with infected blood or bodily fluids 6, 7
• The risk of transmission depends on several factors, including the type of pathogen, the dose and serum viral concentration of the exposure, and the use of preventive measures such as universal precautions and vaccination 3, 4, 5, 7.