Which term describes disease-causing pathogens carried through the blood?

• A. Airborne Pathogen
• B. Blood Borne Pathogen
• C. Fomite
• D. Vector-Borne Pathogen

Answer: (B)

Pathogens carried through blood are called bloodborne pathogens. This term names the route of transmission, focusing on infectious microorganisms that can be spread when blood or certain body fluids come into contact with another person’s blood, broken skin, or mucous membranes. In healthcare and lab settings, this matters for safety because exposures like needle sticks or contact with contaminated blood can transmit diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Airborne pathogens spread through the air, not specifically through blood. Fomites are inanimate objects that can carry pathogens but are not pathogens themselves. Vector-borne pathogens require a living carrier, like a mosquito, to transmit the infection. So the term that best fits “disease-causing pathogens carried through the blood” is bloodborne pathogen.