Preventing transmission of blood-borne pathogens to health care workers

Health care workers are exposed to blood-borne pathogens, mainly the human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Infection by these viruses leads to chronic or fatal illnesses which are expensive an d difficult to treat. Individuals who harbour these viruses may be asymptom atic and hence all patients should be assumed to harbour a blood-borne path ogen. All health care workers should take adequate precautions (a set of gu idelines termed 'universal precautions'), Methods of preventing transmissio n of blood borne pathogens include vaccination against hepatitis B virus, f ollowing universal precautions and taking adequate post-exposure prophylaxi s.