Among bloodborne pathogens, which carries the highest risk of transmission to a healthcare worker after a percutaneous (needlestick) exposure from an infected source?

After a needlestick from an infected source, HBV has the highest transmission risk (up to ~30%), far exceeding HCV (~1.8%) and HIV (~0.3%); HBV is also vaccine-preventable.Other options: HCV and HIV have lower per-exposure transmission; influenza is a respiratory, not classic bloodborne, occupational risk.Key exam takeaway: Occupational needlestick transmission risk: HBV > HCV > HIV; HBV vaccination is essential.