Bloodborne Pathogens, Universal Precautions, and Wound Care

Because of the close physical contact that occurs through athletic participation, the potential of for spread of infectious disease is a potential danger.

What are bloodborne pathogens?Bloodborne pathogens – are pathogenic

microorganisms that can potentially cause disease.

Mode of transmission:Human bloodSemenVaginal secretionsCerebrospinal fluidSynovial fluid

Two most significant pathogensHBVHIV

Other potential pathogens:HCVHDVSyphilis

HIV has been more widely addressed but HBV has a higher possibility for spreading.

HBV is stronger and more durable than HIV.

HBV can be spread more easily when compared to HIV also.

Hepatitis B VirusViral infection that results in swelling,

soreness, and loss of normal function of the liver.

Signs of HBVFlulike symptomsJaundiceIndividual may exhibit no signs of infection.

Prevention of HBVGood personal hygiene and avoiding high-risk

activities.

HBV can survive for at least a seek in dried blood or on contaminated surfaces.

Avoiding contact with any infected surface or fluid.

VaccineRequires a series of three inoculations spread

over a 6-month period.

1991 OSHA mandated that vaccination against HBV must be made available by and employer at no cost to any individual who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids.

MRSAStaphylococcus aureus, often called "staph"

is a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people.

MRSA which stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is staph that is resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as penicillins.

What types of infections does MRSA cause?In the community, most MRSA infections are

minor skin infections that may appear as sores or boils that often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.

These skin infections commonly occur either at sites of breaks in the skin such as cuts and abrasions,

areas of the body covered by hair (for example, the back of the neck, groin, buttock, armpit, or beard area of men).

How is MRSA Spread?Like other causes of skin infections in

athletes, MRSA is usually spread from person to person through:

Direct skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces (e.g., towels, used bandages, weight-training equipment surfaces) that have touched a person's infection.

MRSA might spread more easily among athletes because they: have repeated skin-to-skin contact get breaks in the skin such as cuts and

abrasions that if left uncovered allow staph and MRSA to enter and cause infection

share items and surfaces that come into direct skin contact

have difficulty staying clean

Dealing With Bloodborne Pathogens in AthleticsIn general the chances of transmitting HIV

among athletes is low.

There is minimal risk of on-field transmission of HIV from one player to another.

There have been no validated reports of HIV transmission in sports.

Universal Precautions In An Athletic EnvironmentThe guidelines developed by OSHA were

developed to protect the health care provider and the patient.

It is essential that every sports program develop and carry out a bloodborne pathogen exposure plan.CounselingEducationVolunteer testingManagement of bodily fluids

Preparing the AthleteAll open skin wounds and lesions must be

covered with a dressing that is fixed in place.Lessens chance of cross contamination.Reduces the chances of the wound reopening.

When Bleeding OccursAggressive treatment.

Removed from participation.Return when it is deemed safe by the medical

staff.Uniforms.

Personal PrecautionsUse of disposable non-latex gloves.Disposable mouthpieces for resuscitation

devices..

ONE –TIME USE NON-LATEX GLOVES MUST BE USED WHEN HANDLING ANY POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIAL.

Removal of gloves.

Are Sutures Necessary?

Deeper lacerations, incisions, occasionally puncture wounds.

Should be put in as soon a possible, but certainly within a max of 12 hours following injury..

Steri-strips, butterfly bandages, derma-bond.

Signs Of Wound Infection

Classic signs:InflammationPainHeatRednessSwellingDisordered functionPusFever

TetanusBacterial infection that causes fever and

convulsions.Occurs most often with puncture wounds.