Disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood or body fluids are called what?

• A. Bloodborne Pathogens
• B. Aerosol Pathogens
• C. Zoonotic Diseases
• D. Environmental Pathogens

Answer: (A)

Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood and other body fluids, and they can be transmitted when those fluids enter another person’s body through open skin, mucous membranes, or needle-stick exposures. This term is used for organisms like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV that pose a risk when blood or body fluids are involved.

Aerosol pathogens spread through airborne droplets and inhalation, not specifically through blood or body fluids. Zoonotic diseases originate in animals and may transfer to humans, not necessarily via bloodborne routes. Environmental pathogens live in the environment (soil, water) and aren’t defined by transmission through blood or body fluids.