Infection Control · single question
Which pathogen poses the MOST risk to HEALTHCARE workers?
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Correct answer: D. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (D) poses the highest occupational risk to healthcare workers as a group, particularly via airborne transmission. TB is transmitted through respiratory droplet nuclei (<5 microns) that remain suspended in air and travel long distances. In healthcare settings, aerosol-generating procedures significantly increase exposure. HCWs have a risk approximately 3× higher than the general population.
• HBV (A): While HBV has a higher transmission rate per needlestick (~30%) vs. HIV (~0.3%), the availability of an effective vaccine makes it more preventable. TB lacks an equally effective prevention tool.
• HIV (C): Very low transmission per exposure, and post-exposure prophylaxis is effective.
• Hepatitis A (B): Fecal-oral transmission — not a significant occupational risk for HCWs in standard settings.
• HBV (A): While HBV has a higher transmission rate per needlestick (~30%) vs. HIV (~0.3%), the availability of an effective vaccine makes it more preventable. TB lacks an equally effective prevention tool.
• HIV (C): Very low transmission per exposure, and post-exposure prophylaxis is effective.
• Hepatitis A (B): Fecal-oral transmission — not a significant occupational risk for HCWs in standard settings.
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