How Are Bloodborne Pathogens Spread?
Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted in four basic ways: A. Direct-by touching body fluids from an infected person. This includes contact with lesions, open wounds, or sores on the skin. Skin lining of the mouth, nose or throat, and eye contact/invasion, are additional avenues. B. Indirect-by touching objects that have touched the blood or another body fluid of an infected person. C. Airborne-by breathing in droplets that become airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes. D. Vector-borne-by receiving an infected animal or insect bite. Although the most common means of spreading bloodborne pathogens are through IV drug use and sexual transmission, other avenues of transmission are operative. Sources of infectious materials include amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, semen, synovial fluid, saliva in dental procedures, vaginal secretions, or any other body fluid visibly contaminated with blood including urine, feces and vomit. A
