Which statement accurately describes blood-borne pathogens?

Which statement accurately describes blood-borne pathogens?

• A. Microorganisms found in human blood that cannot cause disease
• B. Microorganisms found in air
• C. Microorganisms present in human blood and can cause diseases
• D. Bacteria in water

Answer: (C)

Blood-borne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in people. This definition includes viruses like HIV and hepatitis B and C, as well as bacteria or parasites that may reside in blood. The key idea is that they are in the blood and capable of causing illness, which is why this statement is correct. The other options describe microorganisms in air or water or claim they cannot cause disease, which does not fit what a pathogen is. In practice, this concept underpins safety practices that treat all blood as potentially infectious and use proper protective measures to prevent exposure.

Blood-borne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in people. This definition includes viruses like HIV and hepatitis B and C, as well as bacteria or parasites that may reside in blood. The key idea is that they are in the blood and capable of causing illness, which is why this statement is correct. The other options describe microorganisms in air or water or claim they cannot cause disease, which does not fit what a pathogen is. In practice, this concept underpins safety practices that treat all blood as potentially infectious and use proper protective measures to prevent exposure.