Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are examples of which type of pathogens?

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are classified as viral pathogens because they are caused by viruses that invade and replicate within host cells. These viruses specifically target the immune system and liver, leading to a range of health issues, including liver disease and compromised immune function.

Understanding the nature of these pathogens is crucial in healthcare settings, especially for patient care technicians, as it informs proper infection control practices and personal protective equipment usage. Unlike fungal, bacterial, or parasitic pathogens, which have different structures and modes of infection, viral pathogens require a living host for replication and do not have cellular mechanisms of their own for metabolism. This distinction influences treatment protocols and prevention strategies, making it essential for healthcare professionals to accurately identify and classify pathogens they may encounter in their work.