Which type of hepatitis is transmitted through contaminated food?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, which commonly involves the ingestion of food or water contaminated by an infected person.
This mode of transmission is characteristic of enteric viruses and is often associated with poor sanitation and hygiene.
Unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A typically causes an acute, self-limiting illness and does not result in a chronic carrier state.

Option B: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a blood-borne pathogen, not transmitted by contaminated food. Its primary transmission routes are parenteral (e.g., needlestick injuries), sexual contact, and perinatal (mother to child).
Option C: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted almost exclusively through contact with infected blood. The most common mode is sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs.
Option D: Hepatitis D virus (HDV), or delta agent, is a defective virus that requires the presence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate. Therefore, its transmission routes are the same as for HBV (parenteral, sexual).

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 patient education, implementing infection control precautions, and public health counseling.
For Hepatitis A, the nurse's role focuses on prevention through education about hand hygiene, food safety, and the benefits of vaccination, especially for travelers and high-risk groups.
What if? If a patient presents with jaundice after a recent trip to a country with poor sanitation, the nurse should have a high index of suspicion for enterically transmitted hepatitis (A or E) and prioritize obtaining a detailed travel and dietary history.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'hepatitis' and 'contaminated food'.
The phrase 'contaminated food' points towards a fecal-oral route of transmission.
Next, recall the primary modes of transmission for the different types of hepatitis listed in the options.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted via blood and body fluids (parenteral route).
Match the transmission route (fecal-oral) with the correct option. Hepatitis A is the only option listed that fits this description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QwgGNF1k8hdPw7cW_bbmP-

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

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 31-33