Which of the following is an example of a bloodborne pathogen?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is considered a bloodborne pathogen because it is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, and sexual contact. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, can be found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Understanding bloodborne pathogens is crucial for healthcare professionals, including CNAs, as it emphasizes the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following safety protocols to prevent the transmission of such infections.

In contrast, while syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, it is not categorized strictly as a bloodborne pathogen since it is mainly transmitted through sexual contact rather than solely through blood. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, making it a foodborne illness rather than a bloodborne pathogen. Tuberculosis, on the other hand, is an airborne disease transmitted through respiratory droplets and does not fall under the definition of a bloodborne pathogen. This distinction is essential for recognizing how different pathogens are transmitted and the necessary precautions to prevent their spread in healthcare and community settings.