What diseases are transmitted through blood?
Jun 25, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Tansheng
Introduction
Bloodborne infectious diseases commonly include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and syphilis.
Bloodborne infectious diseases refer to infections whose causative pathogens reside in the blood of infected individuals or asymptomatic carriers. These pathogens can be transmitted via blood transfusions or blood products, organ or bone marrow transplantation, and other routes involving direct contact with blood.
Examples include transmission through unsterile injections, intravenous drug use, medical examinations, therapeutic procedures, surgeries, or acupuncture—any situation where contaminated instruments come into contact with blood. Moreover, everyday activities such as sharing toothbrushes or razors, unhygienic cosmetic procedures (e.g., hair removal), haircuts, tattooing, microabrasions or occult wounds incurred during sexual activity or routine daily life may also lead to infection.
Common bloodborne infectious diseases include hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and syphilis.
Extension
Viral hepatitis type B is an infectious disease primarily affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Clinically, it commonly presents with loss of appetite, nausea, upper abdominal discomfort, hepatic region pain, and fatigue. Some patients may develop jaundice, fever, hepatomegaly, and impaired liver function. A subset of patients may progress to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or—rarely—to hepatocellular carcinoma.
