Bloodborne pathogens are tiny infectious microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, that live in human blood and can cause diseases in people. These pathogens can be transmitted from an infected person through contact with blood or certain body fluids. Understanding these pathogens and how to prevent their spread is important for protecting personal health and community well-being.
The Three Most Common Pathogens
Among the various bloodborne pathogens, three are particularly common and significant worldwide. These are the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a liver-targeting virus that can cause both short-term and long-term liver infections. Similarly, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is another virus that primarily affects the liver, also leading to acute or chronic disease. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targets the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Understanding Each Pathogen
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
HBV transmission occurs through contact with infected blood or other body fluids, including sexual contact, sharing needles, and from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This virus can survive on environmental surfaces for up to one week, making indirect transmission possible. Healthcare workers face exposure risks when handling needles and sharp instruments or encountering blood splashes.
While most adults who contract HBV experience an acute illness and recover, a smaller percentage can develop a chronic infection. Chronic HBV infection can lead to severe liver complications such as cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver cancer, which can be life-threatening. Globally, an estimated 254 million people were living with chronic HBV infection in 2022, with 1.2 million new infections each year.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
HCV is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood, commonly via sharing needles or syringes, or through unscreened blood transfusions. While less common, transmission can also occur through sexual practices that lead to blood exposure and from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Many individuals with acute HCV infection have no symptoms, but about 70-85% of infected persons will develop chronic HCV infection. Chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. Worldwide, an estimated 50 million people have chronic HCV infection, with about 1.0 million new infections annually.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is transmitted through contact with specific body fluids from an infected person, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common routes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact and sharing contaminated needles for drug injection. Transmission from a mother to her child can also occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
HIV targets and destroys CD4+ T cells, weakening the immune system. As these cells decline, the immune system weakens, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), characterized by a severely compromised immune system. Globally, there were an estimated 39 million people living with HIV at the end of 2022, with 1.3 million new cases reported worldwide in the same year.
Protecting Yourself from Transmission
Avoiding contact with blood and other body fluids is a primary measure. This includes not sharing needles or syringes.
Using barrier protection during sexual activity can help prevent transmission. In healthcare settings, universal precautions involve treating all human blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and eye protection. Proper handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers is also a key hygiene practice.
A highly effective vaccine is available for Hepatitis B, typically administered in a series of shots. This vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, providing long-lasting immunity and significantly reducing HBV incidence. Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C or HIV.
Regular testing for bloodborne pathogens is also important, especially for individuals at increased risk of exposure. Early diagnosis allows for timely management and can help prevent further transmission. Healthcare providers can offer guidance on appropriate testing options and discuss steps to protect oneself and others.