Bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne infections
A pathogen is something that causes disease. Germs that can have a long-lasting presence in human blood and disease in humans are called bloodborne pathogens.
The most common and dangerous germs spread through blood in the hospital are:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). These viruses cause infections and liver damage.
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This virus causes HIV/AIDS.
You can be infected with HBV, HCV, or HIV if you are stuck with a needle or other sharp object that has touched the blood or bodily fluids of a person who has one of these infections.
These infections can also spread if infected blood or bloody bodily fluids touch mucous membranes or an open sore or cut. Mucous membranes are the moist parts of your body, such as in your eyes, nose, and mouth.
HIV can also spread from one person to another through fluid in your joints or spinal fluid. And it can spread through semen, fluids in the vagina, breast milk, and the fluid that surrounds a baby in the womb (amniotic fluid).
More About Hepatitis and HIV infections
HEPATITIS
- Symptoms of hepatitis B and hepatitis C may be mild, and not start until 8 weeks to 5 months after contact with the virus. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
- Hepatitis B often gets better on its own and sometimes does not need to be treated. Some people develop a long-term infection that leads to liver damage. This is called chronic hepatitis B.
- Most people who become infected with hepatitis C develop a long-term infection. After many years, they often have liver damage. This is called chronic hepatitis C.
HIV
After someone is infected with HIV, the virus stays in their body. It slowly harms or destroys their immune system. Your body's immune system fights disease and helps you heal. When it is weakened by HIV, you are more likely to get sick from other infections, including ones that would not normally make you sick. Without treatment, almost everyone who is infected by HIV will die due to their weak immune system.
Treatment can help people with all of these infections.
Hepatitis B can be prevented by a vaccine. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C or HIV.
What to Do If You are Exposed
If you are stuck with a needle, get blood in your eye, or are exposed to any bloodborne pathogen:
- Wash the area. Use soap and water on your skin. If your eye is exposed, irrigate with clean water, saline, or a sterile irrigant.
- Tell your supervisor right away that you were exposed.
- Get medical help right away.
You may or may not need lab tests, a vaccine, or medicines.
Preventing Hepatitis and HIV Infections in the Hospital
Isolation precautions create barriers between people and germs. They help prevent the spread of germs in the hospital.
Follow standard precautions with all people.
When you are near or are handling blood, bodily fluids, body tissues, mucous membranes, or areas of open skin, you must use personal protective equipment (PPE). Depending on the exposure, you may need:
- Gloves
- Mask and goggles
- Apron, gown, and shoe covers
It is also important to properly clean up afterward.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Disinfection and sterilization guideline.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Hepatitis B basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Isolation precautions guideline.
Weld ED, Shoham S. Epidemiology, prevention, and management of occupational exposure to bloodborne infections. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:1486-1491.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 10/13/2023
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
