Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary route of transmission for Hepatitis A?
What is the primary route of transmission for Hepatitis A?
Which hepatitis virus is most relevant to dental health care providers for vaccination?
Which hepatitis virus is most relevant to dental health care providers for vaccination?
What percentage of babies infected with Hepatitis B will develop chronic hepatitis?
What percentage of babies infected with Hepatitis B will develop chronic hepatitis?
Which of the following body fluids has the highest concentration of the Hepatitis B virus?
Which of the following body fluids has the highest concentration of the Hepatitis B virus?
Signup and view all the answers
After a needlestick injury involving Hepatitis B, what is the risk of seroconversion?
After a needlestick injury involving Hepatitis B, what is the risk of seroconversion?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the average incubation period for hepatitis B infection?
What is the average incubation period for hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom is commonly associated with Hepatitis B infection after exposure?
Which symptom is commonly associated with Hepatitis B infection after exposure?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main concern for chronic carriers of Hepatitis B?
What is the main concern for chronic carriers of Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following does NOT transmit Hepatitis B?
Which of the following does NOT transmit Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the preventive measure recommended for healthcare workers regarding Hepatitis B?
What is the preventive measure recommended for healthcare workers regarding Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common symptom of acute hepatitis B?
What is a common symptom of acute hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for hepatitis B?
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary treatment for chronic hepatitis B?
What is the primary treatment for chronic hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
How can hepatitis B be effectively prevented following exposure?
How can hepatitis B be effectively prevented following exposure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these statements is true regarding immunity to hepatitis B?
Which of these statements is true regarding immunity to hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What precautions should healthcare professionals take regarding hepatitis B?
What precautions should healthcare professionals take regarding hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What can trigger the reactivation of hepatitis B after recovery?
What can trigger the reactivation of hepatitis B after recovery?
Signup and view all the answers
For individuals with chronic hepatitis B, which antiviral medication can be prescribed?
For individuals with chronic hepatitis B, which antiviral medication can be prescribed?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential complication of untreated hepatitis B?
What is a potential complication of untreated hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
How is hepatitis C primarily transmitted in healthcare settings?
How is hepatitis C primarily transmitted in healthcare settings?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Viral Hepatitis Overview
- Viral hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver.
- Relevant types for dentistry include Hep A, B, and C.
Hepatitis A
- Caused by the hepatitis A virus.
- Transmission is faecal-oral, meaning it's spread through contaminated food or drink.
- Common in areas with poor sanitation.
- Symptoms typically resolve within a few months.
- No specific treatment, focus is on relieving symptoms.
- Prevented through vaccination, especially before travel to high-risk areas.
Hepatitis B
- Caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- A common infection worldwide.
- Spreads through blood, from infected mothers to babies, unprotected sex, sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes.
- 5% of infected individuals become chronic carriers.
- Some develop cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- In children, HBV can persist for years, causing significant liver damage.
- 90% of infected babies develop chronic hepatitis.
- Vaccination for healthcare workers is crucial.
- Vaccination added to the child immunization list after 2017.
Hepatitis B - Body Fluid Concentrations
- HBV is not detectable in urine, feces, sweat, tears, and breast milk.
- HBV concentration is high in blood, serum, and wound exudates.
- HBV concentration is moderate in semen, vaginal fluid, and saliva.
Hepatitis B - Transmission
- Very infectious, more so than HIV.
- Can survive outside the human body for up to 7 days.
- People with chronic HBV can have high amounts of the virus in their blood.
- Not spread by hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing eating utensils.
- After a needlestick injury, the risk of HBV seroconversion is 1 in 3 if not vaccinated, compared to 1 in 300 for HIV.
Hepatitis B - Pathogenesis
- Incubation period: 45-180 days (average 60 days)
- Virus enters liver cells (hepatocytes) via the bloodstream.
- Immune response to viral antigens on hepatocyte surfaces drives the clinical syndrome.
- 5% of infected individuals become chronic carriers, at higher risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
- Hepatitis B surface antibody likely provides lifelong immunity.
Hepatitis B - Symptoms
- May be asymptomatic.
- Symptoms typically appear 2-3 months after exposure.
- Flu-like symptoms (tiredness, fever, aches), loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and jaundice may occur.
- Acute Hepatitis B symptoms usually resolve within 1-3 months, though some cases can last longer (6 months or more).
Hepatitis B - Diagnosis
- Blood tests (serological tests) are used; Hep B antigens as a marker of infection.
- Hep B antibodies to track recovery.
- The virus can persist at low levels even after recovery; Reactivation is possible, especially with depressed immune systems.
Hepatitis B - Treatment
- Emergency treatment (Hep B vaccination and immunoglobulin) after exposure.
- Acute Hepatitis B: rest, pain relievers, and symptom relief (e.g., metoclopramide for nausea).
- Chronic Hepatitis B: peginterferon (stimulates immune response) and antiviral medication (e.g., tenofovir, entecavir) to suppress HBV replication; side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Hepatitis B - Treatment/Prevention Continued
- Avoid unprotected sex.
- Vaccinate partners against Hepatitis B.
- Avoid sharing needles, toothbrushes, or razors.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Avoid alcohol.
Hepatitis B - Prevention
- Vaccination for those at increased risk of HBV infection (3 doses, monthly).
- Immune response: 50% after one dose, 95% after three.
- Protection lasts for more than 15 years, varying on the initial antibody response.
Hepatitis B - Prevention (Continued)
- Hepatitis B immunoglobulin to protect those exposed to Hep B (most effective within 48 hours).
- Screening of blood donors and blood/body fluid precautions.
Hepatitis B - Remember
- Hepatitis B infection carries a significant mortality risk.
- Healthcare professionals are at risk and should be immunized.
- Treat all patients as potential carriers of HBV, implementing universal precautions.
- Always wear PPE, as saliva to eye exposure is a potential infection route.
- Avoid needlestick injuries and report them.
Hepatitis C
- Single-stranded RNA virus.
- Similar pathogenesis, symptoms, and transmission routes to HBV (e.g., occupational transmission via needlestick or blood splash).
- No vaccine available.
- Long-term complications include cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
- Chronic Hep C is treated with direct-acting antiviral medications (e.g., ribavirin, simeprevir, sofosbuvir) for 8–12 weeks (sometimes in combination).
- Side effects can include nausea and insomnia.
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking; not sharing razors or toothbrushes; not sharing needles).
Hepatitis D and E
- Hepatitis D is a delta virus that only infects people already infected with HBV – leading to chronic infections and increased liver damage.
- Hepatitis E is an RNA virus similar to Hep A transmitted by the faecal-oral route, but with a vaccine available.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge about viral hepatitis, including the main types such as Hepatitis A, B, and C. Learn about their causes, transmission, prevention methods, and implications for dental practice. This quiz is essential for understanding the impact of these infections in a healthcare setting.
