Infectious agents capable of causing disease in humans are known as pathogens. Some of these microorganisms reside in human blood and can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or certain other bodily fluids. These are broadly categorized as bloodborne pathogens.
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms found in human blood that can lead to disease. Unlike pathogens spread through air or contaminated food, these specific agents require contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials to transmit. These materials can include semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, and amniotic fluid, among others. The danger posed by bloodborne pathogens stems from their ability to cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses once they enter a new host’s bloodstream. Transmission often involves direct entry into the bloodstream, through broken skin or mucous membranes. This can occur through accidental punctures from contaminated needles or sharps, or contact between infected bodily fluids and open cuts, abrasions, or mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth. While some bodily fluids like sweat or tears generally do not transmit bloodborne pathogens, they can become infectious if visibly contaminated with blood.
Understanding Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver. This virus can cause both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) forms of the disease. In acute cases, the immune system often fights off the virus, allowing the liver to repair itself. However, in chronic cases, the immune system cannot fully clear the virus, leading to ongoing liver damage and scarring over time. Repeated inflammation can lead to fibrosis, where the liver forms tiny scars, hindering its normal function. If scarring becomes extensive, it can progress to cirrhosis, a severe condition where large areas of the liver are permanently scarred and harden, potentially leading to liver failure or liver cancer.
Comparing Common Bloodborne Pathogens
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a widespread bloodborne pathogen globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2022. In comparison, chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) affected nearly 50 million people globally in the same year. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), while a significant global health issue, has a lower prevalence than HBV, with around 38.6 million infections estimated globally at the end of 2005 and approximately 2.1 million cases in India as of 2017. While HIV is a serious concern, especially among specific populations like people who inject drugs, HBV remains the most widespread bloodborne pathogen globally in terms of chronic infections.
Preventing Transmission
Preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including Hepatitis B, involves several strategies. Hepatitis B can spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal fluids, and semen. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during birth, or through unsafe injections and exposure to sharp instruments.
Vaccination is a highly effective method for preventing Hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and provides nearly 100% protection against the virus, with protection lasting for at least 20 years and potentially lifelong. All infants should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 24 hours, followed by additional doses to complete the series.
Other preventative measures include:
Practicing safe sex by using condoms.
Avoiding the sharing of needles or any equipment used for injecting drugs, piercing, or tattooing.
Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after any potential exposure to blood.
Cleaning up blood spills with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water).
Ensuring new, sterile needles are used for body piercing, tattoos, and acupuncture.