Bloodborne pathogens

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS Blood borne pathogens are harmful microorganism in human blood that can cause disease in humans. The most common blood borne pathogens are HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

The risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens is high in occupations which involves the intervention of needle stick and sharps. This includes medical services, nurses, first aid services, housekeeping staff and waste management staff. A small mishap where a used sharp comes in direct contact with blood of the person handling it, can trigger various detrimental infections. Common sites of contact include scars, tissue tears and wounds. Therefore, having comprehensive exposure control protocols are mandatory for every person having exposure to blood borne pathogens. These should be reviewed and updated regularly.

Following are the major blood borne pathogens that can infect humans:

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which basically weakens a human’s immunity system. Two major forms of HIV transmissions are unprotected sex and needle sharing. Hence, occupational exposure involving needles can also pose a risk to the person if the virus comes in contact with his/her bloodstream.

The virus keeps on multiplying over a course of years before any symptoms are detected. During this time, it kills all the cells of the human immunity person, making the patient prone to various infections, which he/she is unable to fight back. There is no cure for AIDS till date, although there are repressive medications available to delay the onset of the symptoms. The best strategy lies in the prevention methods of HIV. HEPATITIS B Similar to HIV, Hepatitis B symptoms can exist in a person’s body without any early manifestation of symptoms. It normally affects the liver and can be acute or chronic.

Chronic Hepatitis B causes damage to the livers. Two major forms of HIV transmissions are unprotected sex and needle sharing. Symptoms include tiredness, mild fever, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, skin rash, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

Hepatitis B can be relieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking medications regularly. It can best be prevented by getting vaccinated at a young age. Nevertheless, prevention methods are always recommended.

HEPATITIS C Hepatitis C also causes few symptoms, hence most people don’t realise that they have Hepatitis C. About three quarters of the people affected by Hepatitis C develop the chronic version of the illness. This causes liver cancer or cirrhosis. Hence, a lot of patients undergo liver transplants.

Most common symptoms of Hepatitis C include fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice and nausea. Medical intervention can involve the prescription of a

combination of medicines and drugs to treat the infection. However they can have various side-effects. Since there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, it is best to prevent it.

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