Bloodborne Pathogens
Universal Precautions
• According to the concept of Universal
Precautions, all human blood and certain
human body fluids are treated as if known to
be infectious for HIV, HBV (Hepatitis B), and
other bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission
• Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted through
contact with infected human blood and other
body fluids such as:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Semen
Vaginal secretions
Cerebrospinal fluid
Synovial fluid
Pleural fluid
Peritoneal fluid
Amniotic fluid
Saliva
Skin Provides a Barrier
• Unbroken skin forms an impervious barrier
against bloodborne pathogens. However,
infected blood can enter your system through:
– Open sores
– Cuts
– Abrasions
– Acne
– Any sort of damaged or broken skin such as
sunburn or blisters
Mucous Membranes
• Bloodborne pathogens may also be
transmitted through the mucous membranes
of the:
– Eyes
– Mouth
– Nose
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?
• Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms
such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in
blood and can cause disease in people
Types of Bloodborne Pathogens
• Bloodborne pathogens include:
– Hepatitis B (HBV)
– Hepatitis C
– Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
– Other diseases
Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Is the most common bloodborne pathogen
• Is a virus that causes infection and
inflammation of the liver
• Is transmitted primarily through “blood to
blood” contact
• Can lead to serious conditions such as
cirrhosis and liver cancer
• Can survive in dried blood for up to seven days
No Cure for HBV
Currently, there is no “cure” or specific
treatment for HBV.
HBV Symptoms
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mild flu-like symptoms
Fatigue
Possible stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Jaundice
Darkened urine
About 30% of infected people demonstrate no
symptoms
– Even though these people don’t display symptoms, they
are still infectious
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency
syndrome, is caused by a virus called the
human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV.
• It may be many years before AIDS actually
develops.
HIV
• HIV attacks the body’s immune system,
weakening it so that it cannot fight other
deadly diseases.
• AIDS is a fatal disease, and while treatment for
it is improving, there is no known cure.
HIV Symptoms
• Symptoms of HIV infection can vary, but often include:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Weakness
Fever
Sore throat
Nausea
Headaches
Diarrhea
White coating on the tongue
Weight loss
Swollen lymph glands
• Even though some people that have HIV may not
display symptoms, they are still infectious
HIV and Direct Contact
• Although HIV virus is very fragile and will not
survive very long outside of the human body,
it is a primary concern to health care
employees.
• As of June 2001, there were at least 57 CDCdocumented cases of health care workers with
occupationally acquired HIV and at least 137
cases of possible transmissions.
Hand Washing
• Hand washing is one of the most important
(and easiest) practices used to prevent
transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
• Wash hands or other exposed skin thoroughly
as soon as possible following an exposure
incident.
Hand Washing
• Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking,
handling contact lenses, applying lip balm or
cosmetics.
• Keep hands away from eyes, nose, mouth.
• Use antibacterial soap.
• Don’t use harsh, abrasive soaps.
Alcohol Based Products
• Hand sanitizers are ideal when there’s no soap
and water.
– Apply to your palm (read label for amount)
– Rub hands together, covering all surfaces, until
they are dry
Ability of Hand Hygiene Agents to
Reduce Bacteria on Hands
120
Bacterial Reduction (%)
100
80
60
Alcohol-Based Handrub
(70% Isopropanol)
40
Antimicrobial Soap
(4% Chlorhexidine)
Plain Soap
20
0
-20
Baseline
0
60
Time After Disinfection (minutes)
Adapted from: Hosp Epidemial Infect Control, 2nd Edition, 1999.
180
For additional information, see the
BBP Exposure Control Policy
You may now finish this safety training tutorial
by completing the OSHA Assessment Quiz