Which option correctly defines Bloodborne Pathogen?

• A. Microorganisms present in air that cause disease.
• B. Viruses that only infect plants.
• C. Microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in humans.
• D. Fungi that contaminate water.

Answer: (C)

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in humans. They can be viruses, bacteria, parasites, or other infectious agents, with common examples being hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV. They pose a risk in settings where exposure to blood or certain body fluids can occur, such as through needlestick injuries or splashes to mucous membranes. The defining trait is their presence in human blood and their ability to cause disease in people. The other options describe pathogens not carried in human blood—airborne organisms, plant viruses, and environmental fungi in water—so they don’t fit this definition.