Transmission of hepatitis A virus is by

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route.
This means infection occurs by ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.
Common sources of infection include contaminated water, raw shellfish, and food handled by individuals with poor hand hygiene.
Hepatitis A is classified as an enterovirus, highlighting its entry through the gastrointestinal tract.

Option A: Transmission via blood products is the primary route for Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Hepatitis D (HDV), not Hepatitis A.
Option C: Hepatitis viruses are not transmitted through the air. Airborne transmission involves inhaling infectious droplets from coughs or sneezes.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct mode of transmission is listed among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Transmission route of Hepatitis A virus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the fecal-oral route is critical for nurses to educate patients and communities on prevention strategies like handwashing (especially after using the toilet and before preparing food), food safety, and ensuring access to clean drinking water.
Vaccination is a key preventive measure for high-risk groups, including travelers to endemic areas, men who have sex with men, injection drug users, and individuals with chronic liver disease.
What if? If a patient presents with jaundice and reports recently eating at a restaurant linked to a foodborne illness outbreak, the nurse should have a high index of suspicion for Hepatitis A and implement contact precautions, emphasizing strict hand hygiene to prevent further spread.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'transmission' of 'Hepatitis A virus'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the different types of hepatitis and their primary transmission routes.
Recall that hepatitis viruses are broadly grouped by transmission: fecal-oral (A and E) and blood/body fluids (B, C, and D).
Evaluate the options based on this classification. 'Infected food and water' directly corresponds to the fecal-oral route.
Eliminate the other options. 'Blood product' is the primary route for HBV/HCV/HDV. 'Air born' is not a route for any hepatitis virus.
Conclude that 'Infected food and water' is the correct and most common mode of transmission.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

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

Practise the full NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

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