One of the following hepatitis infections is spread by ingestion of contaminated water and food:

IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Explanation

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) are the two types of hepatitis primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route.
This mode of transmission involves ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.
These infections are particularly common in areas with poor sanitation and lack of access to clean drinking water.
Both HAV and HEV typically cause acute hepatitis, although HEV can become chronic in immunosuppressed individuals.

Option A: This option is incorrect because Hepatitis B (HBV) is not transmitted through contaminated food or water. HBV is a blood-borne pathogen, spread through contact with infected blood and body fluids.
Option B: This option is incorrect because Hepatitis C (HCV) is not transmitted through the fecal-oral route. HCV is primarily spread through contact with infected blood, most commonly via shared needles.
Option C: This option is incorrect because both Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are transmitted parenterally (through blood and body fluids), not through the fecal-oral route of contaminated food and water.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Transmission routes of viral hepatitis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the transmission routes of hepatitis is fundamental for nurses in implementing correct infection control measures and providing effective patient education.
For fecal-oral hepatitis (A and E), nursing priorities include promoting hand hygiene, ensuring safe food and water practices, and managing symptoms. For blood-borne hepatitis (B and C), the focus is on safe injection practices, screening blood products, and counseling on sexual transmission and needle sharing.
What if? If a patient in a community health setting is diagnosed with Hepatitis A, the nurse's immediate priority is to identify the source of the outbreak (e.g., a contaminated restaurant or water supply) and educate close contacts about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with vaccine or immunoglobulin to prevent further spread.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the key concept. The question asks for hepatitis types spread by 'ingestion of contaminated water and food'.
Recognize that this describes the 'fecal-oral' route of transmission.
Recall the primary transmission routes for the different types of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis A and E are known to be transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
Hepatitis B, C, and D are primarily transmitted through parenteral routes (blood and body fluids).
Evaluate the given options based on this knowledge. The only option that includes two viruses transmitted by the fecal-oral route is 'Hepatitis A and E'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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