Which of the following Hepatitis viruses spreads by the fecal-oral route?

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an enterovirus that infects liver cells.
Its primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route, which occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Outbreaks are often linked to poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene, and consumption of contaminated items.
Unlike other common hepatitis viruses, it does not cause chronic liver disease.

Option A: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a blood-borne pathogen. It is a defective virus that requires the presence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate and is transmitted through similar routes as HBV (parenteral, sexual).
Option B: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted primarily through parenteral routes, most commonly via exposure to infected blood. This includes intravenous drug use, unsafe injections, and, less commonly, sexual contact.
Option D: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through parenteral, sexual, and perinatal routes. It is spread by contact with infected blood, semen, and other body fluids.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hepatitis Virus Transmission Routes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding transmission routes is fundamental for nursing practice to implement appropriate infection control measures and provide effective patient education.
For patients with Hepatitis A, nurses must emphasize the importance of hand hygiene, safe food handling, and sanitation to prevent spreading the virus to others.
For Hepatitis B, C, and D, nurses must adhere to standard precautions, educate on safe needle practices, safe sex, and the importance of vaccination for Hepatitis B.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is about the 'fecal-oral route' of transmission for 'Hepatitis viruses'.
Recall the different types of hepatitis viruses and their primary modes of transmission. A useful mnemonic is: 'Vowels come from the bowels' (Hepatitis A and E are fecal-oral).
Evaluate each option against this knowledge.
Option A (Hepatitis A) is known for its fecal-oral transmission through contaminated food and water.
Options B, C, and D (Hepatitis B, C, D) are primarily blood-borne and transmitted through parenteral or sexual contact.
Based on this differentiation, conclude that Hepatitis A is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 61-63

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 3 (515-969) p. 96-98

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