What term describes disease-causing bacteria or viruses that are carried through blood?

The term that specifically refers to disease-causing bacteria or viruses that are transmitted through the blood is "bloodborne pathogens." These pathogens pose a significant risk in settings where exposure to blood can occur, such as in salons or health care environments. Understanding bloodborne pathogens is crucial for maintaining safety and hygiene, as they can lead to serious infections.

Pathogenic agents is a more general term that encompasses all types of disease-causing organisms, not specifically those that are transmitted through blood. Contagious microbes typically refer to those that can spread directly from person to person, rather than through blood. Infectious diseases is a broader category that includes any illnesses caused by pathogens, but it does not specifically indicate the mode of transmission. Therefore, recognizing bloodborne pathogens as the precise term helps in understanding the context of infections associated with blood transmission.