What is one example of a bloodborne pathogen?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a prime example of a bloodborne pathogen because it is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. They can be contracted through various means, such as needlestick injuries, exposure to contaminated blood, or unprotected sexual contact.

HIV specifically targets the immune system, leading to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if not treated. Understanding bloodborne pathogens like HIV is crucial for implementing safety measures and ensuring proper protocols are followed in environments where exposure to blood may occur, such as healthcare settings or during laboratory work.

In contrast, the other provided options, while they are all serious pathogens, are not classified as bloodborne. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, while tuberculosis bacteria are spread through airborne transmission.