Bloodborne pathogens, including the deadly viruses hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, do not have a cure. They gain access to the body through numerous portals of entry. A portal of entry is the method by which you are infected with a given pathogen, such as a virus. Bloodborne pathogens require a host to live and can reach the bloodstream by many methods.
Needle Sticks
Although unintentional needle sticks are usually limited to health-care workers, anyone can get injured with a sharp, contaminated object. If you are considering getting a tattoo or piercing, or another voluntary needle stick, consider the environment first, as needle sticks can be deadly if contaminated wars osha.gov. Intravenous drug users who share dirty needles are sharing a portal of entry for bloodborne pathogens. Once used, the dirty needle can transmit disease through the skin directly into the bloodstream.
Gestational Portals
A fetus is directly connected to its mother by umbilical arteries that facilitate transmission of the mother's blood and nutrients to baby. However, this connection allows for bloodborne illnesses to pass from mother to baby while in utero, during labor, and while breastfeeding, according to the University of California, San Francisco. These portals of entry can be limited with the development of antiviral drugs used during pregnancy, surgical births, and bottle-feeding the infant.
Open Wounds
Open wounds, including superficial and deep cuts, should be covered with am adhesive bandage or clean dressing at all times. Uncovered wounds are vulnerable portals of entry for potential contact with blood-borne pathogens. This may sound far-fetched, however, public health agencies such as the Indiana Health Department have drawn up guidelines to minimize the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens in school sports injuries.
Mucous Membranes
Mucous membranes line the soft tissues of your mouth, eyes, nose, and lining of the reproductive organs and anus. Designed to absorb liquids and contain moisture, these membranes are easily permeable upon contact with a bloodborne pathogen. HIV, a bloodborne pathogen, is transmitted through mucous membranes during unprotected intercourse due to the potential for contact with blood and body fluids.
Bite Wounds
Human bites are the main portals of entry for bloodborne pathogens in schools, according to NDSEC.org. Bites are an unreliable portal, however, as saliva alone is not contaminated with bloodborne pathogens; blood must be present in the saliva to be considered infectious. If a human is infected with a bloodborne pathogen and bites another human, the skin must be broken to be a portal of entry.
References
- Ndsec.org: Bloodborne Pathogens Training Module
- Osha.gov: Bloodborne Pathogen Fact Sheet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Perspectives in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Update: Universal Precautions for Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Other Bloodborne Pathogens in Health-Care Settings
- University of California: Transmission of HIV From Mother to Child
- Indiana State Department of Health: Guidelines For The Prevention Of Bloodborne Pathogen Disease Transmission During Student Activities
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