Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which hepatitis virus is noted for having the highest risk of transmission?

1. Hepatitis A

2. Hepatitis B

3. Hepatitis C

4. Hepatitis D

The correct answer is: Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is noted for having the highest risk of transmission among the hepatitis viruses. This is primarily due to its mode of transmission, as it spreads through contact with infectious body fluids, including blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. Activities such as unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth significantly contribute to its transmissibility. Furthermore, Hepatitis B can also survive outside the body for several days, which increases the potential for exposure in various settings. The potential for chronic infection is another key aspect, as a significant portion of individuals infected can develop chronic liver disease, increasing the public health impact and the chance of transmission. While Hepatitis C also poses a considerable risk, especially through blood-to-blood contact, the transmission rates of Hepatitis B are statistically higher. Hepatitis A primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route and is less frequently associated with chronic infection; therefore, it has a lower overall transmission risk. Hepatitis D requires the presence of Hepatitis B to infect, making it reliant on the latter's transmission pathways.