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

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in people. They include various viruses and bacteria that are capable of being transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a prime example of a bloodborne pathogen because it is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. HIV specifically targets the immune system and can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), making it a significant public health concern.

In this context, other choices—such as the influenza virus, which is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and not through blood; various bacteria that may or may not be bloodborne; and the Herpes Simplex Virus, which typically spreads through direct contact with infected lesions—do not fit the specific definition of a bloodborne pathogen. These pathogens may have different modes of transmission and implications for infection control, highlighting the unique characteristics of HIV as it relates to bloodborne transmission risks.