The Specifics of Bloodborne Pathogens

The most concerning bloodborne pathogens are the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Other recognizable bloodborne diseases include syphilis, and viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.

Of the 3 major bloodborne pathogens, HBV is the most contagious, with up to a 1-in-3 chance of getting infected from being exposed if you are not vaccinated. HCV has the next greatest risk of transmission, with up to a 1-in-50 chance of getting infected. Comparatively, HIV is much less contagious than the hepatitis virus, with the highest risk of occupational transmission at about 1 in 300.