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What are the transmission routes of hepatitis B?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Hepatitis B generally refers to hepatitis B viral infection, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Its transmission routes mainly include bloodborne transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact transmission, bodily fluid transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. In daily life, prevention can be achieved through hepatitis B vaccination, avoiding sharing personal hygiene items, practicing safe sexual behaviors, and following proper medical procedures.

　　Hepatitis B generally refers to hepatitis B viral infection, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Its main transmission routes include blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact transmission, body fluid transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Blood transmission: The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through blood. Common situations include sharing syringes contaminated with the virus, receiving unscreened blood or blood products, and undergoing invasive procedures such as tattooing or ear piercing with non-sterilized instruments. The virus can enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes and cause infection.

　　2. Mother-to-child transmission: Mothers infected with the hepatitis B virus may transmit the virus to the fetus or newborn during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding after delivery. If standard mother-to-child preventive measures are not taken, the risk of transmission significantly increases, particularly during childbirth when the infant is exposed to the mother's blood and secretions.

　　3. Sexual contact transmission: Unprotected sexual activity is a significant means of hepatitis B virus transmission. Engaging in sexual activity without protection with an infected individual can allow the virus to enter the other person's body through mucosal contact. Individuals with multiple sexual partners or those with a history of other sexually transmitted diseases face an increased risk of infection.

　　4. Body fluid transmission: Hepatitis B virus is also present in body fluids such as saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. If individuals come into contact with contaminated body fluids and have broken skin or mucous membranes, the virus may enter the body. For example, sharing contaminated toothbrushes, razors, or other personal items can lead to infection.

　　5. Iatrogenic transmission: During medical procedures, if dental instruments, surgical instruments, acupuncture needles, or other medical devices are not thoroughly sterilized, or if medical waste is improperly handled, hepatitis B virus transmission may occur. Medical institutions must strictly implement disinfection and sterilization protocols to reduce the risk of such transmission.

　　In daily life, the risk of contracting hepatitis B virus can be effectively reduced by receiving hepatitis B vaccinations, avoiding sharing personal hygiene items, practicing safe sex, and choosing qualified medical institutions for medical procedures.

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