Bloodborne Pathogens in Dental Practice

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms about bloodborne pathogens, hepatitis variants, HIV/AIDS, transmission routes, and dental infection-control concepts.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms present in blood or other body fluids that can be transmitted to others.

Universal (Standard) Precautions

Infection-control approach that treats all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, applied to every patient.

Viral Hepatitis

Group of liver-inflammatory diseases caused by hepatitis viruses A-E.

Hepatitis A

Fecal-oral transmitted hepatitis; not bloodborne and generally not a dental concern.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Enveloped DNA virus spread via blood/fluids; major occupational risk in dentistry but preventable with vaccine.

Carrier State (HBV)

Asymptomatic condition where an HBV-infected person can still transmit the virus.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Safe, effective immunization that protects health-care workers from HBV (and consequently HDV).

Percutaneous Transmission

Infection through skin penetration, e.g., needlesticks or cuts.

Permucosal Transmission

Infection through contact with mucous membranes such as eyes, nose, or oral tissues.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Bloodborne liver virus with no vaccine; commonly linked to IV drug use; low dental occupational risk.

Hepatitis D (HDV)

Defective virus that co-infects with HBV; prevented by HBV vaccination.

Hepatitis E

Fecal-oral hepatitis virus; not typically relevant to bloodborne exposure in dentistry.

High-Risk Behaviors for HBV

Sharing contaminated needles and unprotected sexual intercourse, which greatly increase HBV transmission risk.

Sharps Injury

Accidental skin puncture with a contaminated needle or instrument; primary dental route for HBV exposure.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Bloodborne virus that attacks the immune system and can progress to AIDS.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

Advanced stage of HIV infection marked by severe immune suppression and opportunistic diseases.

Kaposi Sarcoma

Purplish vascular tumor often appearing on the hard palate; early oral sign of AIDS.

Candidiasis (Oral Thrush)

Yeast infection producing white, wipeable patches on oral mucosa, common in immunocompromised patients.

Systemic Diseases with Oral Lesions

Conditions like mononucleosis or strep throat that manifest infectious lesions in the mouth.

Respiratory Diseases (Oral Presentation)

Respiratory infections that show symptoms or lesions inside the oral cavity, detected during intra-oral exams.

Immunocompromised

State of weakened immune defenses, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Fecal-Oral Route

Transmission path where pathogens in feces are ingested, characteristic of hepatitis A and E.

Endemic

Constantly present within a population or region; HBV is endemic worldwide.

Occupational Exposure

Contact with potentially infectious materials that occurs during job duties, e.g., in dental practice.