Among the following types of hepatitis, which is spread via the feco-oral route?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Explanation

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route.
This mode of transmission involves the ingestion of microscopic amounts of fecal matter from an infected person.
Common sources of infection include contaminated food, water, or direct person-to-person contact, particularly in settings with poor hygiene.

Option B: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a blood-borne pathogen, not transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
Option C: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact.
Option D: This option is incorrect because only Hepatitis A, among the choices listed, is spread by the fecal-oral route. Hepatitis B and C have different modes of transmission.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Transmission routes of different types of Hepatitis virus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the transmission route of each hepatitis virus is fundamental for nurses to implement the correct infection control precautions and provide accurate patient education.
For a patient with Hepatitis A, the nursing priority is to prevent fecal-oral spread by emphasizing strict hand hygiene and, if necessary, implementing contact precautions. For Hepatitis B or C, the focus shifts to preventing blood and body fluid exposure (e.g., safe needle handling, promoting safe sex).
What if the patient was a food handler diagnosed with Hepatitis A? The nurse has a critical public health responsibility to ensure the patient understands they must not work until cleared by public health officials to prevent a food-borne outbreak. The nurse must also facilitate reporting to the local health department.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question: It asks for the type of hepatitis spread by the 'feco-oral route'.
Next, recall the main transmission routes for the common types of viral hepatitis.
A helpful mnemonic is 'Vowels for Bowels' (Hepatitis A and E are fecal-oral) and 'Consonants for Blood/Body Fluids' (Hepatitis B, C, D are parenteral).
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge: Hepatitis A fits the fecal-oral route. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted by blood/body fluids.
Eliminate the incorrect options (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C).
Since B and C are incorrect, the 'All of the above' option is also incorrect. This leaves Hepatitis A as the only correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 556-558

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 62-64

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