Which of the following statements about bloodborne pathogen infections is correct?

• A. Bloodborne pathogens cannot cause asymptomatic infections.
• B. Symptoms of bloodborne pathogen infections always appear within 24 hours.
• C. All people infected with a bloodborne pathogen always show symptoms immediately.
• D. Individuals infected with a bloodborne pathogen may not show symptoms immediately.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of bloodborne pathogens: These are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses.
2. Recognize that bloodborne pathogen infections can be asymptomatic, meaning individuals may carry and transmit the pathogen without showing any symptoms.
3. Know that symptoms of bloodborne pathogen infections do not always appear immediately; the incubation period can vary widely depending on the pathogen and the individual's immune response.
4. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to established microbiological knowledge about bloodborne pathogens and their infection patterns.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is that individuals infected with a bloodborne pathogen may not show symptoms immediately, reflecting the possibility of asymptomatic or delayed symptom onset.