What are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease called?

• A. Bloodborne pathogens
• B. Bacteriology
• C. Cocci
• D. Contagious disease

Answer: (A)

Infection control focuses on identifying the infectious microorganisms that can be carried in blood and cause disease. These are called bloodborne pathogens, which include viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. They matter because exposure to contaminated blood or certain body fluids can transmit these pathogens, so using proper PPE, safe handling of sharps, and vaccination where available are essential precautions. The other terms don’t fit as the science of bacteria (bacteriology), a shape of bacteria (cocci), or the describer of how a disease spreads (contagious disease)—they don’t name the microorganisms carried in blood.