Dangerous bloodborne pathogens can also be found in other bodily fluids. Because of this reality, people must take caution when they come into contact not only with the blood but also with different bodily fluids.
Most Common Bodily Fluids in Which Bloodborne Pathogens Are Found
In addition to blood, the two most common bodily fluids in which dangerous pathogens are found are semen and vaginal secretions. The most common ways in which these pathogens are conveyed when they are in semen and vaginal secretions is via sexual activity. With that understood, healthcare providers can come into contact with pathogens contained in semen and vaginal secretions if universal precautions are not followed and if personal protective gear is not utilized when contact is made with these bodily fluids.
Lesser Common Bodily Fluids in Which Bloodborne Pathogens Are Found
Beyond blood, semen, and vaginal secretions, there are other types of bodily fluids in which bloodborne pathogens are found. These fluids include:
- Pleural fluid
- Amniotic fluid
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Synovial fluid
Pleural Fluid
Pleural fluid is the fluid that is found between the layers of membranes that surround a person’s lungs.
Amniotic Fluid
Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds a fetus in the amniotic sac within the womb.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid that is found in and around the brain and spine
Synovial Fluid
Synovial fluid is found in certain joints in the human body.
Four Most Common Bloodborne Pathogens
There are four hazardous pathogens that are most commonly found in blood and other bodily fluids. These are:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- MRSA
HIV
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus. This is the virus responsible for causing AIDS.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. There is a vaccine that prevents a person from contracting this virus.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause liver cancer. There is no vaccine for this type of hepatitis.
MRSA
MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is caused by a derivation of the staph bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics.
Other Less Common Diseases Caused by Bloodborne Pathogens in Other Bodily Fluids
There is an array of other diseases that are caused by bloodborne pathogens that can be found in other bodily fluids. These include:
- Syphilis
- Malaria
- Babesiosis
- Brucellosis
- Leptospirosis
- Arboviral infections (especially Colorado tick fever)
- Relapsing fever
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Human T-lymphotropic virus type I
- Viral hemorrhagic fever
Bloodborne Pathogens in Blood and Other Bodily Fluids: Safety Issues
If a situation arises in which blood or other bodily fluids must be cleaned up, following proper safety protocols, and using personal protective equipment, is absolutely vital. There are certain items of protective gear that must be used anytime a person is involved in cleaning up blood or bodily fluids:
- Goggles
- Mask or respirator
- Disposable gloves
- Apron or smock
If you are involved in cleaning up blood or any type of bodily fluid and believe that you have ended up having direct contact with them, you must obtain immediate medical attention. There are some immediate steps that a doctor can take to lessen the chance of infection if you were exposed to blood or some other bodily fluid that was contaminated with some sort of dangerous pathogen. You will need to have recurring checkups to monitor whether or not you end up infected by some sort of pathogen found in blood or some sort of bodily fluid.
Professional Assistance in Blood or Bodily Fluid Cleanup
If you are faced with more than a small amount of blood or other bodily fluid that needs to be cleaned up, you must give serious consideration to engaging a biohazardous remediation service. By hiring a professional, you not only lessen the chance that you or someone else will be unnecessarily exposed to a dangerous bloodborne pathogen, but you also take an important step to ensure that the elimination of blood or bodily fluid contamination will be comprehensive and complete.
Biohazard waste remediation specialists providing services in California are registered with the California Department of Health. You need to make certain that a biohazardous remediation specialist is appropriately registered with the health department and has the background and skills to safely and appropriately deal with blood or other bodily fluid cleanup issues.