How is Hepatitis B Transmitted?

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads through an infected person's blood and bodily fluids. These transmission routes include:

1. Transmission Through Blood

  • Contact with Infected Blood: The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's blood. Even a small amount of blood is sufficient for transmission.
  • Injection Equipment: Sharing needles (e.g., among drug users) is a significant source of transmission.
  • Medical Equipment: The use of non-sterile needles and other medical equipment increases the risk.

2. During Birth

  • Mother-to-Child Transmission: A mother with Hepatitis B infection can transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth. This is referred to as "perinatal transmission."
  • Prevention: Transmission can be prevented by administering the Hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin to the baby immediately after birth.

3. Sexual Transmission

  • Unprotected Sexual Contact: Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person can lead to transmission of the virus.
  • High-Risk Groups: Individuals with multiple sexual partners and those susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases are at higher risk.

4. Sharing Personal Items

  • Items Contaminated with Blood or Body Fluids: Transmission can occur when sharing razors, toothbrushes, or manicure sets.

5. Other Routes

  • Medical Procedures: The use of non-sterile materials during dental or surgical procedures can lead to transmission of the virus.

Non-Transmissible Situations

Hepatitis B is not transmitted through the following means:

  • Handshakes, hugs, kisses
  • Sharing food from the same plate
  • Water, air, or mosquito bites



References:
1. Terrault, N. A., Lok, A. S. F., McMahon, B. J., Chang, K.-M., Hwang, J. P., Jonas, M. M., Brown, R. S., Jr., Bzowej, N. H., & Wong, J. B. (2018). Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance. Hepatology, 67(4), 1560–1599. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.29800