HB- Micro- Hepatitis

Hepatitis Overview

• Viral hepatitis types A and E are typically caused by contaminated food or water, while types B, C, and D are caused by contact with contaminated blood or body fluids.
• Types B and C lead to chronic disease in millions of people and are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, with about 1 million related deaths annually.
• Enteral administration involves passing substances through the digestive system, while parenteral administration bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads through sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission, and blood-to-blood contact, while Hepatitis C virus (HCV) mainly spreads through unsafe injecting practices and, less commonly, sexual contact.
• Hepatitis A (HAV) is highly contagious and commonly spread through the fecal-oral route, with symptoms passing away within three months.
• Hepatitis B (HBV) can cause acute or chronic infection, mainly spreading through contaminated needles, blood products, and sexual contact.
• Hepatitis C (HCV) is a short-term illness for some but becomes a chronic infection for over half of those infected, mainly spreading through blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, and contaminated needles.
• Hepatitis D (HDV) is caused by a defective RNA virus that requires the presence of HBV to replicate, leading to coinfection or superinfection.
• Hepatitis E (HEV) is generally a mild, short-term infection, more common in adults and severe in pregnant women, spreading through contaminated water and poor sanitation.
• There is a hepatitis B vaccine, and completing the series of vaccine shots protects against the virus.
• Dental providers are at a higher risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus, but the vaccine and precautionary methods help decrease the risk.
• Completing the series of vaccine shots for the hepatitis B virus protects against infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.