How Bloodborne Pathogens are Spread

In this lesson, we'll take a look at how one gets ill from a bloodborne pathogen or infectious disease. But first, how about a couple of definitions?

Bloodborne Pathogen – A bloodborne pathogen is a microorganism that's present in human blood and can cause disease in humans.

Infectious Disease – An infectious disease is a disease (also caused by microorganisms like bacteria, virus, fungus, etc.) that enters the body through various biological routes.

It's important to note that not all bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases are created equally, as some can produce mild symptoms, while others can be life-threatening.

The Chain of Infection

For any disease to spread, several conditions must be present. This is known as the chain of infection. And if you recall from the last lesson, those conditions are as follows:

1. There must be an adequate number of pathogens or disease-causing organisms in the environment.
2. There needs to be a reservoir or source that allows the pathogen to survive and even multiply, such as blood.
3. There must be a mode of transmission from source to host.
4. There must be an entrance through which the pathogen enters the host.
5. The host must be susceptible to that pathogen, as opposed to being immune to it.

Sources of Bloodborne Pathogens

The primary source of potential bloodborne pathogens is blood and specific bodily fluids, like semen and vaginal secretions. However, there are other bodily fluids that may contain bloodborne pathogens, especially if they are visibly contaminated with blood. Those sources include:

• Cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
• Synovial fluid in the joints
• Pleural fluid in the lungs
• Amniotic fluid in and around the uterus
• Pericardial fluid around the heart
• Peritoneal fluid in the abdomen

Urine, feces, saliva, and a few other fluids don't typically carry bloodborne pathogens, however …

How Bloodborne Pathogens and OPIM Get into the Body

There are four basic modes of transmission:

1. Direct Contact – Direct contact transmission occurs when microorganisms are transferred from an infected person to another person. An example would be a tattoo artist with an open, uncovered cut or wound, in which blood from a client/source comes in contact with that wound.
2. Parenteral Exposure – Parenteral exposure is when infected blood and/or bodily fluids are introduced into the body through piercing or puncturing the skin. An example would be getting stuck with a contaminated needle or being cut with a sharp object that's been contaminated.
3. Indirect Contact – Indirect contact is when a contaminated object (tools, needles, etc.) contacts a person's skin or mucous membranes, like those found in the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. Which is why it's so important to decontaminate any objects that have blood on them.
4. Airborne Transmission – Airborne transmission occurs when droplets or small particles that contain an infectious agent remain active in the air and are then inhaled into the body. An example of this would be tuberculosis. While airborne transmission is possible, most cases of bloodborne pathogen infections do not fall into this category.

Some Risks are Higher than Others

While it's important to consider all blood and bodily fluids potential threats, there are some methods of transmission that are more common than others.

Highest Potential Risks

The most common ways bloodborne pathogens and OPIM are spread are:

• Getting stuck with an infected needle
• Sexual contact

Other than sexual contact, the highest potential risks are when a contaminated, sharp object punctures or cuts the skin, such as with an infected needle, a broken piece of contaminated glass, or getting cut by a razor that was also used by an infected person.

Medium Potential Risks

Medium risks involve situations where blood and bodily fluids get into an open cut or are absorbed through a mucous membrane – eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc. Like our tattoo artist example from above.

Lowest Potential Risks

The lowest potential risks include situations where contaminated objects come in contact with inflamed skin, acne, skin abrasions, etc. Which brings up a good point.

In fact, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has stated that there is no known risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases through intact skin. Which means casual contact – like handshaking, hugging, touching doorknobs, etc. – are not considered threats in normal situations.