Which diseases are major bloodborne diseases in the United States?

• A. AIDS and the viral hepatitis family
• B. HIV and malaria
• C. Tuberculosis and influenza
• D. Ebola and Zika

Answer: (A)

Bloodborne diseases are those spread primarily through blood and certain body fluids, a key concern in infection control. In the United States, the most significant bloodborne infections for healthcare workers are HIV, which leads to AIDS, and the hepatitis viruses B and C. These viruses are transmitted via blood, can cause long-term liver disease, and are encountered frequently in clinical settings. Hepatitis B has an effective vaccine, helping reduce its spread, while HIV emphasizes the importance of standard precautions and post‑exposure steps. The other options involve diseases transmitted by other routes—malaria by mosquitoes, tuberculosis and influenza by airborne droplets, and Ebola or Zika by different modes—so they’re not considered major bloodborne pathogens in everyday healthcare practice. That makes AIDS and the viral hepatitis family the best choice.