Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What is the primary route of transmission for Hepatitis A (HAV)?

1. Blood transfusion

2. Sexual contact

3. Vector-borne transmission

4. Fecal-oral route

The correct answer is: Fecal-oral route

The primary route of transmission for Hepatitis A (HAV) is indeed the fecal-oral route. This means that the virus is typically spread when a person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. This can occur in various scenarios, such as poor sanitation, lack of clean water, or handling food without proper hygiene practices. Hepatitis A is often associated with outbreaks linked to contaminated food products or water sources, especially in areas where sanitation is inadequate. The transmission can also occur from close personal contact with an infected individual, emphasizing the importance of good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing. The other potential routes of transmission listed do not apply to Hepatitis A. While blood transfusions can spread some other types of hepatitis, this is not the standard way that HAV is transmitted. Similarly, while sexual contact can sometimes be a route for other infections, hepatitis A is primarily linked to the fecal-oral route. Vector-borne transmission is also not applicable for hepatitis A, as it is not spread by insects or other animals. This makes the fecal-oral route the most significant and common means by which the virus is disseminated.