How Is Hepatitis Transmitted?

Feces

One way hepatitis can be transmitted is through direct contact with feces. This most commonly occurs in areas of the world where hygiene facilities and supplies are not widely available to help stop the transmission of the disease. Hepatitis A, hepatitis E and hepatitis F all transmit through consumption of feces.

Blood

Blood is another common way that hepatitis can be transmitted. Most commonly hepatitis is transmitted in this manner during a blood transfusion. Because most countries now have blood donor screening processes in place, this mode of transmission has significantly decreased.
Transmission through blood can also occur when infected blood comes into contact with an open wound on an uninfected individual. Hepatitis B, D and especially C are commonly transmitted through this method.

Sexual Fluids

Sexual fluids such as semen and vaginal fluid can also carry the hepatitis virus. Unprotected sexual contact--whether among different or same-sex partners--can transmit the disease. The disease can be transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sex. Hepatitis B, C and D can all transmitted through this method.

Intravenous

The intravenous use of needles can also transmit hepatitis. Most commonly this is seen in the illicit drug community with addicts who share needles with one another. Transmission occurs when infected blood residue left on an unclean needle is introduced into a user's arm. This can also happen in medical establishments that reuse needles, a practice that is illegal in the United States and most other countries. Hepatitis B, C and D can be transmitted through these intravenous means.

Mother to Baby

Hepatitis can also be transmitted from mother to baby. Most commonly this occurs during vaginal birth when the baby comes into contact with the mother's blood, or through breastfeeding. Hepatitis B and C can both be passed to a baby from an infected mother.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• Centers for Disease Control
• KidsHealth.org