Infection ControlSports Medicine IMs. Bowman

Bloodborne pathogens• Definition: pathogenic microorganisms that can potentially

cause disease• Transmitted through• Human blood• Semen• Vaginal secretions• Cerebrospinal fluid• Synovial fluid• Any other fluid contaminated with blood

• 3 most significant bloodborne pathogens• Hepatits B Virus (HBV)• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Bloodborne Pathogens in Athletics• Chances of transmission during competition is low• Actually no documented cases of transmission in sports

• Sports that have a potentially higher risk of transmission are those where players have close physical contact and possible direct contact with blood of an opponent• Martial arts• Wrestling• Boxing

• Still, the chances of transmission in these sports are low

Universal Precautions• This refers to the practices involved in avoiding contact and

transmission of the bodily fluids of patients.• Include wearing personal protective equipment when handling

bodily fluids• All bodily fluids that can transmit diseases should be

considered potentially infectious • *All blood is infected blood*

Universal Precautions- A few guidelines• All open wounds should be covered before

practice/competition• Active bleeders must be removed from competition and

cannot return to play until bleeding is controlled• Clothing that is soiled with blood must either be cleaned (if

possible) or removed• Gloves and other necessary personal protective equipment

must be worn when handling bodily fluids

Skin Wounds• Wound: trauma to tissues that causes a break in the continuity

of that tissue• Types:• Abrasions-top layer of skin is scraped away• Laceration-occur when a sharp or pointed object tears the

tissues, giving a wound the appearance of a jagged-edge• Incision-wounds with smooth edges• Puncture-direct penetration of tissues by a pointed object• Avulsion-skin is torn away from the body (a chunk)

Managing Wounds• Immediate care• All open wounds must be considered contaminated by

microorganisms• Must be cleaned with lots of soap and water or sterile saline• Dressing should be applied to keep a fresh wound clean. Sterile

dressings such as gauze should be used.• After drainage has stopped, there is no need for a dressing.

• Sutures• Must be put in as soon as possible.• Within 12 hours of injury• Required for injuries that are deep, have rough edges, or do not

have good approximation of tissues