Hepatitis isn't "born" in the same way a human is. Instead, it refers to a group of liver diseases caused by viruses. These viruses are transmitted in various ways, leading to infection. Let's look at how these infections occur:
Hepatitis B Transmission
Hepatitis B (HBV) is transmitted when infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids enter the body of an uninfected person. This occurs through several routes:
- Sexual contact: Unprotected sex with an infected individual can transmit HBV.
- Sharing needles: Sharing needles or syringes, especially among intravenous drug users, is a major risk factor for HBV transmission.
- Mother-to-child transmission: A pregnant woman with HBV can pass the virus to her baby during birth. This is why administering the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth is crucial. (Sources: HHS.gov, CDC, Immunize.org, WHO)
The risk of mother-to-child transmission is higher in women with high levels of HBV in their blood. (Source: WHO)
Hepatitis C Transmission
Hepatitis C (HCV) transmission is similar to Hepatitis B in some aspects, most prominently through contact with infected blood. A pregnant woman can also pass HCV to her developing fetus. (Source: Boston Children's Hospital)
Neonatal HCV requires testing for presence of the virus in newborns of infected mothers (Source: Boston Children's Hospital).
Prevention
Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing hepatitis B infection. All medically stable infants weighing at least 2,000 grams are recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth as a three-dose series. (Sources: HHS.gov, CDC, Immunize.org)
