Major Bloodborne Pathogens

The federal and state regulations surrounding bloodborne pathogens focus on the major three: HIV, HBV, and HCV. There are more than twenty other known bloodborne pathogens that workers can also be exposed to, including syphilis, malaria, herpes, and Ebola, but these are far less common.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS, a serious disease that slowly cripples the victim's immune system, leaving the victim vulnerable to other diseases that would normally pose no threat. AIDS also increases the risk of certain types of cancer. There is currently no vaccine or cure, though antiviral treatment can significantly improve symptoms.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the virus that causes hepatitis B. Hepatitis B affects the liver, and it can lead to liver scarring, liver cancer, and death in chronic cases. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B that is over 90 percent effective. It is highly recommended that employees receive the hepatitis B vaccine before working in an industry with potential exposure.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the virus that causes hepatitis C. Hepatitis C affects the liver similarly to hepatitis B, causing liver scarring, liver cancer, and death in chronic cases. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, although antiviral medicines can cure 90 percent of infections.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.