Which type of hepatitis is called serum hepatitis?

Appeared in: RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Explanation

Hepatitis B is historically referred to as 'serum hepatitis'.
The name originates from its primary mode of transmission through infected blood (serum) and other bodily fluids, such as semen and saliva.
This term was crucial in differentiating it from Hepatitis A ('infectious hepatitis'), which is transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
Transmission can occur through percutaneous or mucosal exposure to infectious blood, including needlestick injuries, blood transfusions, sexual contact, and perinatal transmission from mother to child.

Option A: Hepatitis A is known as 'infectious hepatitis,' not 'serum hepatitis.'.
Option C: Although Hepatitis C is also transmitted through blood, it is not historically known as 'serum hepatitis.' Before its identification, it was often referred to as 'non-A, non-B hepatitis.'.
Option D: Hepatitis D, or the 'delta agent,' is an incomplete virus that requires the presence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate. It is not independently called serum hepatitis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nomenclature and Transmission of Hepatitis Viruses as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that 'serum hepatitis' is blood-borne is critical for nurses to consistently apply Standard Precautions (e.g., wearing gloves, safe injection practices) to prevent occupational exposure.
Healthcare workers are at high risk for HBV infection and must receive the Hepatitis B vaccine series. Post-vaccination serologic testing for anti-HBs antibodies is recommended to confirm immunity (titer greater than 10 mIU/mL).
What if a nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a source patient with active Hepatitis B? The nurse must immediately wash the area, report the incident, and receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and the Hepatitis B vaccine series, ideally within 24 hours.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'serum hepatitis'.
Recall that 'serum' is the liquid component of blood.
Connect this term to the mode of transmission. The name implies the virus is spread through blood.
Review the primary transmission routes of the hepatitis viruses listed in the options.
Hepatitis A is spread via the fecal-oral route ('infectious hepatitis').
Hepatitis B is spread via blood and body fluids, which directly corresponds to the term 'serum hepatitis'.

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

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