What are the transmission routes of the hepatitis B virus?

Jul 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, hepatitis B virus refers to the hepatitis B virus. Transmission routes of hepatitis B virus include blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact transmission, close contact transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. It is important to maintain personal hygiene in daily life and avoid sharing items with others that may cause blood contact, such as syringes, razors, and toothbrushes.

Generally speaking, the hepatitis B virus refers to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The transmission routes of HBV include blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact transmission, close daily contact transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Blood transmission

HBV can be transmitted through blood and blood products. For example, receiving blood or blood products contaminated with HBV, using medical instruments that have not been strictly sterilized for injections, blood collection, acupuncture, and other procedures, as well as sharing syringes, razors, toothbrushes, and other items that may lead to blood contact, can all potentially transmit HBV.

2. Mother-to-child transmission

HBV can infect the fetus through the placenta, amniotic fluid, or vaginal secretions of pregnant women, leading to intrauterine infection or infection during childbirth. Additionally, HBV may also be transmitted through breastfeeding after delivery.

3. Sexual contact transmission

HBV can enter the other person's body through mucosal injuries on the genital organs. Particularly without protective measures, transmission via sexual contact is an important route for spreading HBV.

4. Close daily contact transmission

Long-term close contact with individuals infected with HBV—for example, living together or sharing the same work environment—can lead to infection through sharing towels, tableware, and other daily necessities, or through direct contact with bodily fluids containing the virus, if personal hygiene and protective measures are not observed.

5. Iatrogenic transmission

In hospitals and other medical institutions, the reuse of medical instruments without strict sterilization—such as surgical instruments, dental instruments, endoscopes, etc.—may lead to the transmission of HBV.

It is important in daily life to maintain personal hygiene and avoid sharing syringes, razors, toothbrushes, and other items that may lead to blood contact. Keep the skin and mucous membranes intact and avoid unnecessary trauma or damage.

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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.

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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.

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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.