Chapter 2 Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogens are bacteria and viruses present in blood and body fluids, which can cause disease in humans. Bacteria and viruses are the most common form of pathogens.

Bloodborne Pathogens Bacteria can live outside the body and do not depend on other organisms for life. Antibiotics are used to treat and kill bacteria. Viruses depend on other organisms to live. Once viruses are in the body, they are difficult to kill.

Hepatitis B Hepatitis B- is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It the virus can be severe and fatal. The virus can be in the body for up to 6 months without any signs and symptoms. These included fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Hepatitis B Later stage symptoms included jaundice- a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Medications are available to treat chronic hepatitis B infection, but they do not work for everyone. The most effective way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get the Hepatitis vaccine.

Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a liver infections caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the USA. The symptoms are the same as Hepatitis B- fatigue

HIV HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks white blood cells and destroys the body’s ability to fight infection. AIDS eventually develops into life- threatening infections and can die from these infections. There is no vaccine against HIV

How pathogens Spread 1. Victim has to be infected 2. Rescuer providing first aid must be exposed to an infected persons airborne cough. 3. Rescuer must come in contact through the mucous membranes in mouth and eyes 4. Must be a significant amount of a pathogen (disease carrying microorganism)

Transmission 1. Direct contact- when infected blood or body fluid from one person enters another person’s body. 2. Blood splashing in an eye

Transmission Indirect contact- when a person touches an object that contains the blood or other body fluids For example- Picking up a blood soaked bandage with bare hands.

Transmission Droplet and vector-borne transmission: Droplet transmission- when a person inhales droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Vector-borne- when the body’s skin is penetrated by an infectious source such as an animal or insect.

Preventing the Spread of Bloodborne Pathogens Personal protective equipment- gloves, mask, breathing barriers and gowns. Washing hands Equipment cleaning and disinfecting

Removing Gloves Partially remove the fist glove Remove the second glove Finish removing both gloves Dispose of gloves