Which one of the following viruses causes post-transfusion hepatitis?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus and was historically the most common cause of hepatitis following a blood transfusion.
Before routine screening of blood products began, it was often called 'non-A, non-B hepatitis'.
HCV has a very high rate of developing into a chronic infection, which can lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
While screening has made it rare today, it remains the classic answer for this mode of transmission in a historical and testing context.

Option A: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, typically via contaminated food or water.
Option B: While Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is blood-borne and can be transmitted via transfusion, it was less common as a cause of post-transfusion hepatitis than HCV. Also, screening for HBV (HBsAg) was available before screening for HCV.
Option D: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a 'defective' or 'incomplete' virus. It can only infect and replicate in individuals who are already infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The primary viral agent responsible for causing post-transfusion hepatitis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding transmission routes is fundamental for nursing practice, guiding infection control measures, patient education, and risk assessment.
The success of blood product screening for HCV and HBV is a major public health achievement, drastically improving the safety of transfusions. Nurses play a role in ensuring proper protocols are followed.
Nurses must educate patients with chronic Hepatitis C about lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding alcohol), treatment options, and methods to prevent transmission to others.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'post-transfusion hepatitis'. This immediately points to a blood-borne infection.
Next, review the options and classify each hepatitis virus by its primary mode of transmission.
Eliminate Hepatitis A, as it is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, not through blood.
Consider the remaining blood-borne viruses: B, C, and D.
Recall that Hepatitis D requires a co-infection with Hepatitis B, so it is not the primary cause.
Differentiate between Hepatitis B and C. Historically, Hepatitis C was the most common cause of post-transfusion hepatitis before effective screening was developed. This makes it the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The primary viral agent responsible for causing post-transfusion hepatitis.
Stem keywords: virus, post-transfusion hepatitis
Lead-in keywords: Which one

QdZTbJWtGVv7NG1VpqFOid

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry pp. 96-98, 98-100

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

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

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