Bloodborne
Pathogens:
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms such as viruses or
bacteria that are carried in blood and can cause disease in people.
There are many different bloodborne pathogens including malaria,
syphilis, and brucellosis, but Hepatitis B (HBV) and the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the two diseases specifically
addressed by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
While this module will focus primarily on HBV and HIV, it is
important to know which bloodborne pathogens (from humans or
animals) you may be exposed to at work, especially in laboratories.
For example, personnel in the College of Veterinary Medicine might
have the potential for exposure to rabies, and it would therefore be
important to know specific information about rabies.
For a comprehensive study of the OSHA Bloodborne
Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, please Click
here. To view the Bloodborne Pathogens program as
adopted by the University of Tennessee, Click
here.
HEPATITIS B
In the United States, approximately 300,000 people are infected
with HBV annually. Of these cases, a small percentage are fatal.
"Hepatitis" means "inflammation of the
liver," and, as its name implies, Hepatitis B is a virus
that infects the liver. While there are several different types of
Hepatitis, Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily through "blood
to blood" contact. Hepatitis B initially causes inflammation of
the liver, but it can lead to more serious conditions such as
cirrhosis and liver cancer.
There is no "cure" or specific treatment for HBV, but
many people who contract the disease will develop antibodies which
help them get over the infection and protect them from getting it
again. It is important to note, however, that there are different
kinds of hepatitis, so infection with HBV will not stop someone from
getting another type.
The Hepatitis B virus is very durable, and it can survive in
dried blood for up to seven days. For this reason, this virus is the
primary concern for employees such as housekeepers, custodians,
laundry personnel and other employees who may come in contact with
blood or potentially infectious materials in a non first-aid or
medical care situation.
The symptoms of HBV are very much like a mild "flu".
Initially there is a sense of fatigue, possible stomach pain, loss
of appetite, and even nausea. As the disease continues to develop,
jaundice (a distinct yellowing of the skin and eyes), and a darkened
urine will often occur. However, people who are infected with HBV
will often show no symptoms for some time. After exposure it can
take 1-9 months before symptoms become noticeable. Loss of
appetite and stomach pain, for example, commonly appear within 1-3
months, but can occur as soon as 2 weeks or as long as 6-9 months
after exposure.
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is caused by
a virus called the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Once
a person has been infected with HIV, it may be many years before
AIDS actually develops. HIV attacks the body's immune system,
weakening it so that it cannot fight other deadly diseases. AIDS is
a fatal disease, and while treatment for it is improving, there is
no known cure.
Estimates on the number of people infected with HIV vary, but
some estimates suggest that an average of 35,000 people are infected
every year. By the year 2002, it is possible that 2%-9% of the
American population will be infected, or 5 to 15 million people.
Many people who are infected with HIV may be completely unaware of
it.
The HIV virus is very fragile and will not survive very long
outside of the human body. It is primarily of concern to employees
providing first aid or medical care in situations involving fresh
blood or other potentially infectious materials. It is estimated
that the chances of contracting HIV in a workplace environment are
only 0.4%. However, because it is such a devastating disease, all
precautions must be taken to avoid exposure.
AIDS infection essentially occurs in three broad stages. The first
stage happens when a person is actually infected with HIV. After
the initial infection, a person may show few or no signs of illness
for many years. Eventually, in the second stage, an
individual may begin to suffer swollen lymph glands or other lesser
diseases which begin to take advantage of the body's weakened immune
system. The second stage is believed to eventually lead to AIDS, the
third and final stage, in all cases. In this stage, the body
becomes completely unable to fight off life-threatening diseases and
infections.
Symptoms of HIV infection can vary, but often include weakness,
fever, sore throat, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, a white coating on
the tongue, weight loss, and swollen lymph glands.
If you believe you have been exposed to HBV or HIV, especially if
you have experienced any of the signs or symptoms of these diseases,
you should consult your physician or doctor as soon as possible.
Diseases
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Protective Equipment / Work Practices /
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