Which three bloodborne pathogens are US healthcare workers most likely to be exposed to?

The three bloodborne pathogens that US healthcare workers are most likely to be exposed to are HIV, Hepatitis B virus, and Hepatitis C virus.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a critical concern for healthcare professionals due to its transmission through blood and certain bodily fluids. Healthcare workers may come into contact with blood through needlesticks or other accidental exposures during procedures involving blood draw or surgery, heightening the risk of infection.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly infectious and can survive outside the body for a significant time. It is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, particularly blood, making it a primary concern for anyone working in healthcare environments.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is also primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and is of increasing concern in healthcare settings due to its higher prevalence and the potential for long-term chronic health issues.

While other options mention various diseases, they do not represent the most common bloodborne pathogens associated with healthcare worker exposure. For instance, influenza is primarily an airborne virus rather than bloodborne. Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites, not through blood exposure in a healthcare setting, and Hepatitis A does not transmit via blood but through contaminated food or water