What form of infection requires universal precautions to be employed when handling human remains?

Universal precautions are a set of practices designed to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly when handling human remains. These precautions are based on the understanding that all human remains should be treated as potentially infectious, regardless of the known medical history of the deceased.

All forms of infection—whether bacterial, viral, or otherwise—can pose a risk during the handling of bodies. This includes not only visible infection but also possible asymptomatic carriers of infections that could be transmitted through bodily fluids. Given this perspective, employing universal precautions is essential in protecting both the individual handling the remains and others who may come into contact with them.

While certain infections may carry higher risks or require specific additional precautions, the principle of treating all remains with the same level of caution is fundamental in ensuring safety and reducing the risk of infection transmission in a variety of settings, including funerals and autopsies. Thus, the correct answer highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to infection control.