What are the greatest risks of blood borne pathogens?

• A. HIV, Hepatitis A and E
• B. HIV, Hep B and C
• C. Syphilis, Hep C and HIV
• D. Hep B and C only

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is recognizing which pathogens are primarily transmitted through blood and pose the greatest occupational risk. HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are the big three in this context because they are efficiently transmitted via percutaneous exposures and have substantial health consequences, making them the principal concerns for healthcare workers. Hepatitis B is highly infectious through blood and body fluids, and while vaccines reduce risk, exposure remains a major concern. Hepatitis C and HIV are also readily transmitted through similar routes and carry chronic or serious morbidity. In contrast, Hepatitis A and E are spread mainly by the fecal-oral route and are not considered bloodborne in typical exposure scenarios, and syphilis, though capable of being transmitted by blood, is not as prominent a risk in occupational settings as the trio. Therefore, the greatest bloodborne risks are HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.