Which organisms are the three most common bloodborne pathogens?

• A. HBV, HCV, and HIV
• B. Hepatitis A, B, and C
• C. HBV, HCV, and HPV
• D. HIV, HPV, and HSV

Answer: (A)

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious agents spread mainly through contact with infected blood. The three most common in occupational settings are hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. Hepatitis B is highly contagious via blood and body fluids and has an effective vaccine, making it a primary concern. Hepatitis C is typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and often becomes chronic. HIV also spreads through blood and other body fluids, requiring careful precautions during exposure. In contrast, Hepatitis A is mainly spread by the fecal-oral route, and HPV and HSV are usually transmitted through skin-to-skin or sexual contact rather than blood exposure, so they aren’t classified as the main bloodborne pathogens.