Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause human disease. As healthcare workers, it is crucial to understand these pathogens to protect both patients and yourself from potential infections.
This blog will discuss the five most common bloodborne pathogens and provide important information on their transmission, risk factors, and how to prevent them.
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood and other bodily fluids that can cause diseases in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can lead to serious illnesses.
The most well-known and significant bloodborne pathogens in terms of public health are the:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Transmission of these pathogens can occur through various means including, but not limited to, direct contact with infected blood, sharing needles or other sharp instruments, or from mother to child during childbirth. Healthcare workers and others who are exposed to blood and other bodily fluids as part of their job are at a higher risk of infection.
Due to the risks associated with exposure, strict guidelines and regulations have been established to protect workers, particularly in healthcare settings. These include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper disposal of sharps and other potentially infectious materials, and training for employees on how to handle these materials safely.
Understanding and adhering to practices that prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens is crucial for minimizing the risk of transmission of these serious diseases.
Common Bloodborne Infections
Here are five common bloodborne infections:
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is a virus that compromises the immune system, eventually causing Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as:
- Through sexual intercourse
- Sharing needles
- Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding
Healthcare professionals are also at risk of contracting HIV through incidents like needlestick injuries or when handling contaminated sharp objects or blood.
According to the UNAIDS, an estimated 39 million individuals were living with HIV globally in 2022, and approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related diseases within that year.
Without appropriate treatment, chronic HIV infection can evolve into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a critical condition that drastically weakens the immune system. Factors increasing the likelihood of acquiring chronic HIV and progressing to AIDS are closely linked to certain activities and exposures.
These risk factors include:
- Having unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner living with HIV or with multiple partners
- Utilizing shared needles or paraphernalia for injecting drugs
- Undergoing blood transfusions or organ transplants from a donor with HIV
- Encounters with infected needles or tools during medical treatments or while getting tattoos
Additionally, HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery, or through breastfeeding, presenting another pathway for infection.
People with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) face a heightened risk of acquiring HIV, as these infections can damage the protective mucosal lining of the genitals. To lower the chances of chronic HIV infection and its progression to AIDS, adopting preventive strategies is crucial.
These strategies include:
- Engaging in safe sexual practices by using condoms
- Undergoing routine screenings for HIV
- Refraining from sharing needles or equipment for injecting drugs or other purposes
- Considering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for those at elevated risk of HIV
Prompt detection and the commencement of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus, avert the advance of AIDS, and diminish the likelihood of passing the virus to others.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a liver-targeting viral infection that can lead to short-term (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) conditions. The virus spreads through the exchange of infected bodily fluids, such as through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Healthcare professionals also face a heightened risk through incidents involving needle pricks and exposure to contaminated blood.
Chronic hepatitis B represents a major public health challenge due to its potential to cause critical liver diseases, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that, as of 2019, approximately 296 million individuals were living with a chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which led to around 820,000 fatalities due to liver-related issues, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
The likelihood of progressing to chronic hepatitis B is significantly influenced by the age at which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is contracted.
Notably, infants and young children face the greatest danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 90% of newborns are infected at birth, and between 25% to 50% of children who contract HBV between the ages of 1 and 5 years old are at risk of developing chronic conditions associated with the virus.
Conversely, among adults acquiring HBV, only 5% to 10% develop a chronic infection.
Additional risk factors contributing to the progression to chronic hepatitis B include a compromised immune system, which might be due to HIV infection or receiving treatments that suppress the immune system, prolonged hemodialysis treatment, and having a family history of hepatitis B.
The likelihood of encountering chronic hepatitis B diminishes significantly with measures such as vaccination, engaging in protected sexual activities, and other preventive actions aimed at minimizing virus exposure.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis C, a viral infection that predominantly targets the liver, can lead to both short-term (acute) and persistent (chronic) health issues, like Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). The main route of HCV transmission is through contact with contaminated blood, commonly via:
- Shared needles
- Transfusions of blood that hasn't been properly screened
- The use of inadequately sterilized medical tools
Healthcare professionals also face a heightened risk from injuries caused by needles or exposure to blood carrying the virus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 58 million individuals worldwide were living with a chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection in 2019, which resulted in around 290,000 deaths attributable to HCV-related liver conditions that year.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection transmitted sexually (STI) or through contact with the blood of an infected person, and it's caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
It can also be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or at birth. Without treatment, syphilis can cause serious health issues, including damage to the nervous system, heart, and other vital organs.
Globally, syphilis remains a significant public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in 2020, about 7.1 million adults aged 15–49 years acquired syphilis.
The disease is characterized by distinct stages that present with various symptoms, making early diagnosis and treatment critical to prevent long-term health complications.
5. Brucellosis
Brucellosis, or Malta fever or Mediterranean fever, is a bacterial infection caused by the genus Brucella. The bacteria are primarily transmitted from animals to humans, making brucellosis a zoonotic disease.
It mainly affects cattle, swine, goats, sheep, and dogs. However, humans can get infected through direct contact with infected animals, by exposure to their blood, tissue, or fluids, by consuming contaminated animal products (especially unpasteurized milk and cheese), or by inhaling airborne agents.
The global incidence of brucellosis is estimated at 500 new cases per 1 million persons at risk. While not common in the U.S., this infection still indicates a substantial public health challenge.
The distribution and risk of brucellosis vary significantly by region, with some areas experiencing much higher incidences due to factors such as animal husbandry practices and consumption habits of unpasteurized dairy products.
Brucellosis can manifest as flu-like symptoms and joint pain alongside potentially severe effects such as inflammation of vital organs, including the heart, liver, or spleen.
Other Bloodborne Pathogens
Additional bloodborne pathogens, such as the West Nile Virus and Malaria, also represent a threat to healthcare professionals, although with lower prevalence rates compared to HBV, HCV, and HIV. These diseases can similarly affect healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety measures across a wide array of potential infections.
Other bloodborne pathogens posing a threat to healthcare workers include:
- West Nile Virus (WNV): WNV is carried by mosquitoes and can lead to febrile illness or more severe conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. Although mostly spread through mosquito bites, WNV can also be passed via blood transfusions, organ transplants, or during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Malaria: A parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, is uncommon in the U.S. but can be spread through blood transfusions or from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. It's known for causing severe symptoms such as high fever, chills, and flu-like illness, and it requires prompt treatment to avoid fatal outcomes.
- Babesiosis: Caused by Babesia parasites that infect red blood cells, primarily transmitted through tick bites but also possible via blood transfusions. Symptoms resemble the flu, and the disease can lead to hemolytic anemia and, in extreme cases, organ failure or death.
- MRSA: A type of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics that can coexist with bloodborne pathogens like HIV, HBV, and HCV, adding complexity to the management and treatment of infections.
The list provided only scratches the surface, as numerous harmful bloodborne pathogens could potentially be transmitted through accidental needlesticks or other exposures.
To avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens in healthcare, healthcare workers need to stay up to date with the latest bloodborne pathogen training. This is not only helpful in safeguarding one's health but is also a requirement. Staying informed and prepared can be lifesaving in the medical profession.
What Is the Most Common Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens for Healthcare Workers?
The most common risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens for healthcare workers is needlestick injuries. These injuries can occur when handling, disposing of, or accidentally being pricked by contaminated needles or sharp instruments.
To reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens in healthcare, healthcare workers should:
- Utilize needles and sharps with engineered safety features.
- Adhere to correct handling and disposal protocols for sharps.
- Wear the appropriate personal protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and protective gowns.
- Get vaccinated against preventable conditions like Hepatitis B.
What Is the Most Common Bloodborne Infection in the United States?
In the United States, Hepatitis C stands as the predominant bloodborne infection, particularly among individuals born from 1945 to 1965, known as Baby Boomers.
As mentioned earlier, this infection mainly spreads through contact with contaminated blood, for example, via shared needles or blood transfusions that have not been properly screened.
Differently from hepatitis B, the likelihood of advancing to chronic hepatitis C is closely linked to specific risk factors and behaviors. A significant majority of those infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) – around 75% to 85% – are at risk of the infection becoming chronic.
Factors that elevate the risk of Hepatitis C infection include using injectable drugs, receiving transfusions of blood products before 1992, and having a mother infected with HCV.
Moreover, the symptoms associated with HCV infection may range from fever and fatigue to loss of appetite and jaundice.
Nowadays, HCV can often be treated successfully with antiviral medications, which, in some instances, can completely cure the infection.
To prevent HCV transmission, it's essential to adhere to safe practices for injecting drugs, ensure blood products are screened, and thoroughly sterilize medical instruments.
How to Prevent the Spread of Bloodborne Pathogens
Preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens is crucial in healthcare settings, workplaces, and communities to protect individuals from infectious diseases such as HIV, HBV, and HCV. Here are several key strategies and practices recommended to prevent the transmission of these pathogens:
1. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
2. Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps: Use safety-engineered sharps devices, never recap needles, and dispose of needles and other sharps immediately after use in designated sharps containers.
3. Hand Hygiene: Practice thorough hand washing with soap and water before and after contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
4. Universal Precautions: Treat all blood and bodily fluids as if they are infectious, regardless of the perceived status of the source individual.
5. Proper Cleaning and Disinfection: Use appropriate disinfectants to clean surfaces and equipment that may have encountered blood or bodily fluids.
6. Vaccinations: Vaccinate individuals at risk of exposure to HBV, such as healthcare workers, as part of an exposure control plan.
7. Exposure Control Plans: Develop and implement an exposure control plan that identifies tasks and procedures where there is a potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and outlines measures to reduce these risks.
8. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Provide access to immediate and appropriate treatment for individuals who have had an exposure incident, such as a needlestick injury involving potentially infected material.
9. Safe Injection Practices: Use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection, and do not reuse or share syringes, needles, or other injection equipment.
10. Bloodborne Pathogen Training: Last but not least, ensure that employees who are at risk of exposure receive training on bloodborne pathogens, including how infections are transmitted, prevention practices, and what to do in case of an exposure incident.
Preventing Bloodborne Infections With 360training
For healthcare professionals, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of bloodborne pathogens to safeguard themselves and their patients against potential infections.
Recognizing the primary bloodborne pathogens, understanding their modes of transmission, and being aware of the associated risk factors enable healthcare workers to implement effective preventive measures.
This includes adhering to standard safety protocols, using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, and staying current with recommended immunizations.
By taking these steps, healthcare workers can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and maintain a safe healthcare environment.
360training helps you empower yourself, your team, and those under your care through our bloodborne pathogen training. Our training will also help you meet compliance with bloodborne pathogen standards.
As healthcare practitioners, we carry the obligation to maintain the safety and health of our patients. Keeping up with the latest in bloodborne pathogen prevention and management significantly lowers the likelihood of infections and their spread within healthcare settings.
Whether you’re a healthcare worker or dental office worker, our effective training equips you with the necessary expertise to effectively deal with exposures and cultivates a more secure environment for everyone in healthcare.
