BBVs

BBVs, or blood-borne viruses, are a group of pathogens transmitted primarily through blood and certain other body fluids. In public health usage, BBVs commonly refer to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some classifications also include hepatitis D virus (HDV), which requires HBV for replication, and human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-1/2). The term emphasizes routes of transmission and the health burdens these infections pose.

Transmission and clinical impact vary by virus but share common routes. Transmission can occur through contaminated needles or medical equipment, blood transfusions or organ donation prior to screening, sexual contact, and from mother to child during birth. Many BBVs can establish chronic infections; HBV and HCV can lead to long-term liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer. HIV causes progressive immune system decline if untreated. HDV co-infection can worsen HBV-related liver disease, while HTLV-1/2 can be asymptomatic or cause specific diseases in a minority of carriers.

Prevention and management focus on vaccination where available, safe medical practices, and testing. HBV vaccination is widely used and highly effective. Blood and organ screening, sterile techniques, and harm-reduction programs reduce transmission among people who inject drugs. Post-exposure prophylaxis and pre-exposure prophylaxis are components of HIV prevention, alongside routine testing and counseling. Treatments vary by virus: HBV antiviral therapy can suppress infection, HCV is often curable with direct-acting antivirals, and HIV is managed with antiretroviral therapy to maintain health and reduce transmission risk. Public health efforts emphasize surveillance, vaccination, testing, and linkage to care to reduce the burden of BBVs.