A<unk>  is the penetration of the skin by a hypodermic needle or other sharp object that has been in contact with blood, tissue or other body fluids before the exposure. Even though the acute physiological effects of a<unk>  are generally negligible, these<unk> es can lead to transmission of blood-borne diseases, placing those exposed at increased risk of infection from disease causing pathogens, such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among healthcare workers and laboratory personnel worldwide, more than 25 blood-borne virus infections have been reported to have been caused by<unk> es. In addition to<unk> es, transmission of these viruses can also occur as a result of contamination of the mucous membranes, such as those of the eyes, with blood or body fluids, but<unk> es make up more than 80% of all percutaneous exposure incidents in the United States. Various other occupations are also at increased risk of<unk> , including law enforcement, laborers, tattoo artists, food preparers, and agricultural workers. Increasing recognition of the unique occupational hazard posed by<unk> es, as well as the development of efficacious interventions to minimize the largely preventable occupational risk, encouraged legislative regulation in the US, causing a decline in<unk> es among healthcare workers.
Needlestick injury
Animal bite
Spider bite
Stab wound
Dog bite
Self-inflicted wound
Insect bites and stings
Cat bite