The microorganisms present in human blood or other body fluids that can cause diseases are known as ‘Bloodborne pathogens.’For instance, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) are some of the well known blood borne pathogens.

If diagnosed late or left untreated, these bloodborne diseases may prove to be fatal. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how the bloodborne pathogens are transmitted in order to prevent their transmission.

Bloodborne pathogensare spread mainly by contact with contaminated human blood and other infectious body fluids. The different routes that lead to this contact are as follows:

– Contact with body fluids of an infected person such as:

* Semen and vaginal discharge ( during sexual intercourse)

* Cerebrospinal fluid

* Pleural fluid

* Synovial fluid

* Amniotic fluid (from infected mother to baby during childbirth)

* Saliva (during dental procedures)

– Whenever there is blood to blood contact there is a high risk of transmission of the bloodborne pathogens. People working in laboratories are often exposed to infectious blood and transmission usually occurs due to accidental puncture by glass pieces, sharp objects and contaminated needles. For example, a laboratory technician is testing a specific blood sample with a syringe and needle. When he is done testing, he casually thrown the needle in the trash can. The next day, the sweeper while emptying the trash can is accidentally pricked by the needle. Now there is a huge chance for the sweeper to contract the disease.

– Sexual contact with an infected person is also a pathway for transmission of blood borne pathogens. The most commonly transmitted pathogens by sexual contact are HBV and HIV. They are mainly spread during unprotected anal and vaginal sex. During childbirth, these pathogens can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn child.

– Though unbroken skin forms a resistant barrier against blood borne pathogens, broken skin can serve to cause the pathogens to enter. Open wounds, abrasions, sores, acne, and even sunburn and blisters can cause spread of these pathogens.

– Mucous membranes of eyes, mouth and nose are also pathways for the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Even a splatter of infectious blood into your eyes, nose or mouth may result in transmission. For example, in the laboratory of a teaching hospital, a technician is demonstrating how to test blood. Accidentally, his hand slips and hits the tube of infected blood which falls to the ground and the blood splashes onto the students in front of him. If the blood drops fall on his eyes, nose or mouth it may spread the blood borne pathogen.

– Indirect transmission of bloodborne pathogens means that if a person touches dried or fresh infected blood and then touches an open cut or eyes, mouth, or nose then there is a chance for transmission. This is only in case of HBV. Therefore, it is mandatory for laboratory technicians who regularly work with infected blood to wear clean gloves and change gloves between samples.

The individuals who are exposed to these dangerous conditions everyday should be properly educated to avoid accidents.Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website http://www.bloodborne-pathogens.com

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

Category: Advice
Keywords: bloodborne diseases ,Bloodborne Pathogens,Hepatitis B Virus ,Hepatitis C Virus ,Human Immunodeficien