Bloodborne pathogens present in the blood of a person can spread to others if such blood or body fluids enters the body of another through cuts, wounds or broken skin, or via the mucus membrane and of course when injured by infected needles and instruments. The bacteria and virus can lead to a number of diseases depending upon various factors including the immunity or the presence of some prior infection in the system of the newly infected person.

The following 3 are the most common kinds of diseases caused due to bloodborne pathogens.

– Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): HBV can lead to an infection called Hepatitis B which causes inflammation of the liver and can also lead to enlargement and tenderness. This infection is largely transmitted through the blood and in serious cases can cause liver cirrhosis and even cancer. The typical symptoms of such an infection include jaundice, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and conditions resembling those of influenza. The HBV can remain active even in dried blood which is as old as a week, thus house-keeping and laundry people and even those who come in contact with infected clothes, equipments or materials are at risk and must exercise due caution while handling such things. While there is no cure for HBV, vaccinations administered properly can help in building up immunity especially for healthcare personnel who come in contact with such patients and materials in their course of work.

– Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Just like HBV, HCV too affects the liver and is one of the most common and chronic kind of bloodborne disease. In addition it is also one of the major reasons for liver transplants in America. The HCV can be passed on by contact with infected blood, Needlestick injuries, and injections. It shares symptoms that are similar to HBV, and in the long run can lead to acute problems and damage to the liver.

– Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV is a kind of bloodborne pathogen that infects through contact with the blood or Needlestick injuries. The virus targets the immune system and goes on weakening it over time till a stage where the body finds it extremely difficult to fight diseases. HIV can remain in the body for years and can cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) at the later or final stages. The symptoms to look out for include weight loss, swelling of the lymph glands, weakness, nausea, fever, diarrhea, sore throat and a kind of white coloring on the tongue. HIV, unlike the Hepatitis virus is fragile and cannot survive out of the body for extended periods of time. Thus all the personnel who administer first aid or who can potentially come in contact with fresh blood or infected materials must be especially careful.

In addition to the above 3 diseases bloodborne pathogens can also cause Viral Hemorrhagic Fever which is a severe condition caused by coming in contact with infected bodily fluids or needle injuries. The seriousness of the diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens is a reason enough for you to understand them properly and take all the precautions for prevention.

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: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: AIDS,HIV,laundry,house-keeping ,HBV,Diseases,Bloodborne Pathogens