Bloodborne Pathogens: Risks and Prevention
Bloodborne pathogens – microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that can cause disease in humans and are carried in blood, internal body fluids and unfixed human body tissue
- Semen
- Vaginal Secretions
- Cerebrospinal Fluid :- colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
- Synovial fluid :- fluid that lubricates and cushious the joints
- Pleural fluid :- fluid between the pleural membranes of the lungs and the inner chest wall
- Peritoneal fluid :- fluid in the gastrointestinal organs
- Amniotic fluid :- fluid which surrounds the fetus
- Saliva :- in dental procedures
- Breast Milk
- Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood
- Any body fluid that cannot be clearly identified
The three most common bloodborne diseases are:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Following exposure,the risk of disease varies and can be affected by
- Pathogen involved
- Type of exposure
- Amount of blood involved in the exposure
- Amount of virus present in infected blood at time of exposure
The average risk of infection
- After a needlestick or cut exposure to HIV-infected blood is 0.3% (1 in 300)
- After exposure to mucus membrane(eye,mouth,nose) is 0.1%(1 in 1000)
- After exposure to intact skin <0.1%
There is no vaccine or cure;
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis(PEP) can decrease the chances of developing HIV up to 79%.
- PEP should start within 1-2 hours of the exposure for maximum effectiveness
