Introduction

According to OSHA, bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in humans. Although bloodborne pathogens are primarily transmitted through infected blood, they can also be transferred through other human bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal secretions. Bloodborne pathogens include but are not limited to the following:

• Syphilis
• Malaria
• Brucellosis
• Viral hemorrhagic fever
• Hepatitis viruses
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Some of these infectious diseases may circulate in the blood for a prolonged period before manifesting physically. All of them, however, are very dangerous and even potentially fatal.

To learn more about Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Online Training web page.