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Types of Bloodborne Pathogens

Blood-borne pathogens refer to pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, which can exist in blood and cause disease in humans. These pathogens are spread from one person to another through contact with infected bodily fluids. There are many different blood-borne pathogens. The most dangerous types of blood-borne pathogens are: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

  1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus

    • HIV assails the immune system. As the immune system deteriorates, the body is made susceptible to other deadly diseases. Eventually, HIV will lead to the development of AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS is a fatal disease with no known cure, though treatment has advanced greatly throughout the years. It can take many years for AIDS to develop from HIV.

      Like all blood-borne pathogens, this virus can enter your body through sexual contact, open cuts, blisters, or abrasions as well as the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth. Therefore, it is especially important for emergency responders and those in the health care industry to take proper protective measures whenever dealing with potentially contaminated blood.

    Hepatitis B Virus

    • Hepatitis B causes an infection and inflammation of the liver. It is transmitted primarily through blood-to-blood contact and can cause such serious conditions as cirrhosis and liver cancer. While there is no cure for hepatitis B, a vaccine has been available since 1982, a breakthrough that has since reduced the number of HBV infections amongst children and adolescents. The vaccine consists of a series of three shots which gradually builds up the body’s immunity to the virus.

      According to the staff at the Mayo Clinic, most adults who are infected with hepatitis B will fully recover. However, those infected must always remember to take the proper precautions in order to prevent the spread of HBV.

    Hepatitis C Virus

    • Hepatitis C is considered to be the most deadly of the hepatitis viruses. It is a leading cause of acute and chronic liver disease, which includes cirrhosis and cancer. Most people with hepatitis C do not know that they are infected with the virus until symptoms of liver damage begin to appear, which may be years after the infection occurred. The most common cause of infection is contact with contaminated blood through the sharing of needles during illegal drug use.

      If HCV is causing only slight liver abnormalities, no treatment may be necessary. Simple follow-up blood tests will monitor the liver’s health. Otherwise, antiviral medications will be prescribed. Finally, in cases of severe damage, a liver transplant may be required. Once the healthy liver is in place, and because a transplant does not cure hepatitis C, follow-up treatment with antiviral medication is required.

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