What form does bloodborne pathogens assume primarily?

Bloodborne pathogens primarily assume the form of blood and bodily fluids because these pathogens are typically transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or through bodily fluids that may contain infectious agents. Such fluids include semen, vaginal secretions, saliva (in some cases), and other fluids that may present a risk of transmitting diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The transmission risks arise because blood and certain bodily fluids can harbor these pathogens at infectious levels, making them the primary concern in environments such as healthcare settings or when dealing with any situation that involves exposure to human blood or bodily fluids. This understanding is essential for implementing effective safety measures and protocols to minimize the risk of exposure to these harmful pathogens.