What defines a bloodborne pathogen?

A bloodborne pathogen is defined as a microorganism that is present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. This includes various types of viruses and bacteria, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. These pathogens can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids that contain blood. Understanding the nature of bloodborne pathogens is crucial in settings like healthcare, where there is a risk of exposure.

The other options describe different types of microorganisms or hazards but do not encapsulate the specific definition of bloodborne pathogens. For instance, microorganisms in food refer to foodborne pathogens and focus on contamination through food sources. Infectious waste pertains to waste materials that can spread infectious diseases, while airborne viruses involve transmission through respiratory droplets rather than direct contact with blood. Thus, only the definition that emphasizes the presence of the pathogen in human blood is accurate in this context.