2. INTRODUCTION
1. Viral hepatitis refers to a group of infectious
diseases that affect the liver, causing
inflammation and potentially leading to various
liver-related health issues. These infections are
primarily caused by several different viruses,
each categorized by a specific letter (A, B, C, D,
and E), with each type having unique
characteristics and modes of transmission.
4. TYPES
1.Hepatitis A(HAV): Typically transmitted
through contaminated food or water, this
type of hepatitis usually results in acute
illness but rarely leads to chronic hepatitis.
5. 2.Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through
contact with infected blood, sexual
contact, or from mother to child during
childbirth.
6. 3.Hepatitis C (HCV): Mainly spread through
contact with infected blood, often through
sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia
7. 4.Hepatitis D (HDV): A rare form that only
affects individuals with Hepatitis B and is
transmitted through contact with infected
blood or other body fluids.
8. 3.Hepatitis E (HEV): Often spread through
contaminated water, especially in areas
with poor sanitation.
10. Agent
) RESERVOIR OF INFECTION: The human cases are the
only reservoir of infection.
) PERIOD OF INFECTIVITY: The risk of transmitting
HAV is greatest from 2 weeks before to 1 week after
the onset of jaundice.
) INFECTIVE MATERIAL: Mainly man’s faeces
VIRUS EXCRETION: HAV is excreted in the faeces for
about 2 weeks before onset of jaundice and for up to
2 weeks thereafter.
11. > Host factors
a) AGE: Infection with HAV is more frequent among children than in
adults. However, people from all ages may be infected if susceptible.
B) SEX: Both sexes are equally susceptible.
C) IMMUNITY: Immunity after attack probably lasts for life.
>Environmental factors:
Cases may occur throughout the year.
■ In India the disease tends to be associated with periods of heavy rainfall.
13. MODE OF TRANSMISSION
a) FAECAL-ORAL ROUTE: Major route of transmission. –By contaminated water, food or milk.
B) PARENTERAL ROUTE (Rarely):
-By blood and blood products or by skin penetration through contaminated needles.
C) SEXUAL TRANSMISSION:
-May occur mainly among homosexual men because of oral-anal contact.
14. CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
Pain in upper right quadrant
Enlarged tender liver
Fever
Malaise and exhaustion
Anorexia, nausea and vomiting
Jaundice, skin and sclera, itching
Dark urine, pale stools
Severity of illness varies
16. RISK FACTORS
1.Infected blood and blood product.
2. Needle stick injury- health care worker
3. Employment in medical or dental fields.
4. Intravenous drug abuse.
5. Un-protected sex, multiple sex partners.
6. Having had surgery or history of transfusion-612
7. Received a piercing or tattoo in unclean environment
8. Contaminated water and food, Traveler (ora-fecal).
9. Unknown
19. PREVENTION
Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and
hepatitis B.
Use protection during sexual contact
Don’t share needles to take drugs.
Practice good personal hygiene such as
thorough hand-washing with soap and
water.
Don’t use an infected person’s personal
items.
20. VACCINATION
There are two types of hepatitis A vaccine.
The first type, the single-dose hepatitis A
vaccine, is given as two shots, 6 months
apart, and both shots are needed for long-
term protection against hepatitis A. The
other type is a combination vaccine that
protects people against both hepatitis A
and hepatitis B.
22. CONCLUSION
Hepatitis is one of the main diseases of
concern in the dental office. These viruses
can be transferred by a single prick,
therefore proper preventive measures must
be adopted and a strict protocol to prevent
transmission.
