Hepatitis A infection spreads by

Appeared in: KGMU 2024

Explanation

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
This means the infection spreads when an uninfected person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
Poor sanitation, inadequate personal hygiene, and consumption of contaminated shellfish are common sources of infection.
The virus is an enterovirus, meaning it infects the gastrointestinal tract.

Option B: While sexual transmission of Hepatitis A can occur, particularly through oral-anal contact, it is not the primary or most common route of infection.
Option C: Transmission via contaminated needles (parenteral route) is extremely rare for Hepatitis A. The viremic (virus in blood) stage is brief.
Option D: Hepatitis A is not an airborne virus. It does not spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Visual 1: Diagram - An infographic illustrating the fecal-oral route of transmission, showing the cycle from an infected person to contaminated water/food and then to a new host.
Visual 2: Chart - A comparative chart showing the primary transmission routes for all five types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Transmission route of Hepatitis A virus helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding hand hygiene, food safety, and vaccination to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.
In a community health setting, identifying outbreaks and their source (e.g., a contaminated restaurant or water supply) is a key public health nursing function.
What if? A patient reports that a household member was just diagnosed with acute Hepatitis A. The nurse should advise the patient to seek immediate medical consultation for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which may include the Hepatitis A vaccine and/or immune globulin.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the transmission of 'Hepatitis A'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the different types of hepatitis viruses and their specific characteristics.
Recall that Hepatitis A and E are typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route.
Recall that Hepatitis B, C, and D are typically transmitted through blood and body fluids.
Evaluate the given options: 'Oral route' directly aligns with the fecal-oral transmission of Hepatitis A.
Eliminate the other options by associating them with other diseases: 'Sexual route' and 'Contaminated needles' are primary for Hepatitis B/C, and 'Air' is for respiratory viruses.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full KGMU 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.