| pathogens | <dentistry> Disease producing organisms that can exist in many different places. (for example: Air, dust, counter top surfaces, the body, etc.) (08 Jan 1998) |
|---|
| blood-borne pathogens | Infectious organisms in the blood, of which the predominant medical interest is their contamination of blood-soiled linens, towels, gowns, bandages, other items from individuals in risk categories, needles and other sharp objects, and medical and dental waste, all of which health workers are exposed to. This concept is differentiated from the clinical conditions of bacteraemia, viraemia, and fungaemia where the organism is present in the blood of a patient as the result of a natural infectious process. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|