Among the listed pathogens, Hepatitis C has the highest risk of seroconversion following a percutaneous exposure, though it's important to note that Hepatitis B actually has the highest overall risk. However, since Hepatitis B is not listed among the options, the correct choice from the available ones is Hepatitis C.
“The average risk of seroconversion after a percutaneous injury involving blood infected with hepatitis C virus is approximately 1.8 percent”.
The other options are not bloodborne pathogens typically associated with high seroconversion risks after needlestick or percutaneous exposure:
A. Shigella – transmitted fecal-orally, not percutaneously.
B. Syphilis – transmitted sexually or via mucous membranes.
C. Hepatitis A – primarily fecal-oral transmission, low occupational seroconversion risk.
[References:, APIC Text, 4th Edition, Chapter 103 – Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, , , ]
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