Which statement best describes blood-borne pathogens?

Which statement best describes blood-borne pathogens?

• A. Microorganisms present in soil that do not affect humans
• B. Pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood and can cause disease
• C. Bacteria in plants
• D. Viruses only

Answer: (B)

Blood-borne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms carried in human blood. They can include viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that have the potential to cause illness and can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The important distinction is that these pathogens reside in human blood, not in soil or plants, and they are not limited to viruses only. So describing blood-borne pathogens as pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease captures the full range of what these pathogens are and how they pose a risk.

Blood-borne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms carried in human blood. They can include viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that have the potential to cause illness and can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. The important distinction is that these pathogens reside in human blood, not in soil or plants, and they are not limited to viruses only. So describing blood-borne pathogens as pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease captures the full range of what these pathogens are and how they pose a risk.