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Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted when contaminated blood or body fluids enter the body of another person. In the workplace setting, transmission is most likely to occur through: An accidental puncture by a sharp object, such as a needle, broken glass, or other "sharps", contaminated with the pathogen.
HCV is the most common bloodborne infection in the US, so the chance of exposure is significant for this reason alone. That said, occupational transmission of HCV is significantly lower than HBV, likely 1.9% and primarily through percutaneous exposure. Unlike the Hepatitis B virus, there is no vaccine for HCV.
Household bleach, diluted 1 to 10 with water is still one of the best, most effective disinfectants available. Dilute bleach kills bloodborne pathogens in 1-2 minutes.
Bloodstream infections occur when microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, enter the blood, often resulting in severe conditions like sepsis or septicemia. The main types are categorized by the invading pathogen: bacteremia (bacteria), viremia (viruses), fungemia (fungi), parasitemia (parasites), and toxemia (toxins)