What Are the Transmission Routes of Hepatitis?
Feb 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Yi
Introduction
1. Bloodborne transmission: This is the most common route of transmission, with unsafe injections—such as those associated with intravenous drug use or healthcare settings—being the most frequent cause.
2. Mother-to-child transmission: This primarily occurs during the perinatal period, most commonly when the newborn is exposed to the blood and body fluids of an HBV-positive mother during delivery.
3. Sexual transmission: Unprotected sexual contact significantly increases the risk of HBV infection.
China is considered an endemic country for hepatitis B, with a large population still affected by the disease. Without timely and active treatment, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can readily progress to cirrhosis—and even hepatocellular carcinoma—posing a serious threat to human health. With the widespread use of the hepatitis B vaccine, the incidence of acute HBV infection has significantly declined. So, what are the transmission routes of hepatitis? Below, we address this question.
What Are the Transmission Routes of Hepatitis?
1. Bloodborne Transmission
This is the most common route of transmission. The primary cause is unsafe injection practices—such as intravenous drug use or occupational needlestick injuries among healthcare workers. Additionally, everyday activities like eyebrow tattooing, foot care, ear piercing, or sharing razors may also pose infection risks.
2. Mother-to-Child (Perinatal) Transmission
This primarily occurs during the perinatal period, most commonly when newborns are exposed to HBV-positive maternal blood and body fluids during delivery. Thanks to the combined use of hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), the rate of mother-to-child transmission has been substantially reduced.
3. Sexual Transmission
Unprotected sexual contact significantly increases the risk of HBV infection.
Knowledge Extension: Key Considerations for Hepatitis Patients
For patients with chronic hepatitis B who have normal liver function tests (LFTs), it is important to maintain emotional well-being—avoiding anger, anxiety, stress (“getting overheated”), and excessive fatigue. Routine outpatient follow-up should include LFTs every three months, and at least every six months, quantitative HBV DNA testing, hepatitis B serology (five-item panel), abdominal ultrasound, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay, and liver elastography.
For patients with abnormal LFTs: If transaminase levels are less than twice the upper limit of normal (ULN), potential contributing factors—such as alcohol consumption or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—should be identified and addressed. Hepatoprotective medications may be prescribed, and LFTs should be monitored monthly until normalization. If transaminase levels exceed twice the ULN, hospitalization for intravenous hepatoprotective therapy is recommended, and antiviral treatment may be necessary.
The above outlines the main transmission routes of hepatitis. We hope this information is helpful to you.
