Safety and Infection Control Q 4
A nurse is assessing a clinic patient with a diagnosis of hepatitis A. Which of the following is the most likely route of transmission?
A. Sexual contact with an infected partner
B. Contaminated food
C. Blood transfusion
D. Illegal drug use
Correct Answer: B. Contaminated food
Hepatitis A is the only type that is transmitted by the fecal-oral route through contaminated food. Endemic rates are high in developing countries with low socioeconomic conditions and poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Exposure in these developing countries usually occurs in childhood. The incidence of HAV in a given population correlates with socioeconomic properties such as income, the density of housing, sanitation, and water quality.
Option A: Hepatitis B infection is a serious global healthcare problem. Often transmitted via body fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal secretions, the hepatitis B virus can cause liver injury. It involves the transmission of HBV through sexual contact or mucosal surface contact. Unprotected sex and injection drug use are major modes of transmission in low to intermediate prevalence areas.
Option C: The patients should be told not to donate blood or any organs as the risk of transmission is high. Hepatitis C is a serious infection that has high morbidity and mortality. The management of HCV is prohibitively expensive, and newer antivirals offer a potential cure for the disorder.
Option D: Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through infected bodily fluids. Hepatitis D virus infection is an acute and chronic inflammatory process transmitted parenterally. Hepatitis D replicates independently within hepatocytes but requires hepatitis B surface antigen for propagation. Hepatic cell death occurs due to direct cytotoxic effects of hepatitis D virus or a host-mediated immune response. Risk factors include blood transfusions and intravenous drug use.