What are the transmission routes of the hepatitis B virus?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus refers to the virus causing hepatitis B. Its transmission routes mainly include bloodborne transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact transmission, close contact transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. During medical procedures such as blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and organ transplantation, one should choose qualified medical institutions to ensure that the blood or blood products used have undergone strict testing, and that medical instruments have been strictly disinfected.

Generally speaking, the hepatitis B virus refers to the virus that causes hepatitis B, and its transmission routes mainly include blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact transmission, close contact transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Blood Transmission

Blood transmission primarily occurs through medical procedures such as blood transfusions, use of blood products, hemodialysis, and organ transplantation. If the blood or blood products used in these procedures contain the hepatitis B virus or if medical instruments are reused without thorough disinfection, transmission of the hepatitis B virus may occur.

2. Mother-to-Child Transmission

Mother-to-child transmission is an important route of hepatitis B virus transmission among infants and young children. It includes intrauterine infection, perinatal infection, and postnatal infection. Intrauterine infection refers to the fetus being infected via the placenta while still in the womb. Perinatal infection occurs when the infant comes into contact with the mother's blood, amniotic fluid, or vaginal secretions containing the hepatitis B virus through damaged skin or mucous membranes during delivery. Postnatal infection may occur through breastfeeding or close personal contact.

3. Sexual Contact Transmission

The hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact. During sexual activity, if one partner is a hepatitis B virus carrier or infected individual, the other partner may become infected. Minor abrasions may occur on the genitalia during contact, allowing the hepatitis B virus to enter the body through these openings.

4. Close Contact Transmission

Although the likelihood of transmission through this route is relatively low, in daily life, sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes with a hepatitis B virus carrier—items that may lead to contact with blood or bodily fluids—can potentially result in hepatitis B virus transmission if there are breaks or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes at the contact site.

5. Iatrogenic Transmission

Iatrogenic transmission refers to the spread of hepatitis B virus due to inadequate sterilization or unsafe injection practices during medical procedures. This includes the use of syringes, blood collection devices, scalpels, and other medical instruments contaminated with the hepatitis B virus. However, the clinical incidence of this mode of transmission is relatively low.

When undergoing medical procedures such as blood transfusions, hemodialysis, or organ transplantation, it is important to choose reputable medical institutions to ensure that the blood or blood products used have undergone rigorous testing and that medical instruments have been thoroughly disinfected. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes—which may lead to contact with blood or bodily fluids—can help reduce the risk of infection.

View All

Is it necessary to get a hepatitis B booster shot?

In general, whether a hepatitis B booster shot is necessary depends on the status of hepatitis B surface antibodies in the body. If the hepatitis B surface antibody is positive and the titer is sufficient, vaccination is usually not required. However, if the hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, or if the antibody is positive but the titer is insufficient, vaccination is recommended. To maintain liver health and reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection, it is advised to undergo regular hepatitis B antibody testing.

View Full Answer

What is the difference between "big three positive" and "small three positive" in hepatitis B?

Under normal circumstances, the main differences between hepatitis B "big three positives" and "small three positives" include different viral markers, varying levels of viral replication activity, differing degrees of infectivity, different risks of liver damage, and distinct treatment strategies. In addition, patients with either hepatitis B "big three positives" or "small three positives" should undergo regular liver function tests and hepatitis B virus DNA testing.

View Full Answer

Which of the Five Hepatitis B Antigen-Antibody Tests Being Positive Is Considered Normal?

When all five hepatitis B tests are negative, it indicates that the body has not been infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and has not developed protective antibodies. This is considered a healthy state; however, it also means there is no immunity against HBV. It is recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine promptly to gain protection and reduce the risk of infection. If only the surface antibody is positive, it usually indicates prior vaccination or recovery from a past HBV infection.