How is Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Transmitted?
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is present in blood and other bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, tears, and saliva. Transmission occurs through exposure to these fluids during sexual intercourse, using contaminated needles, or through cuts or scratches on the skin.
HBV can survive on contaminated surfaces for up to a month, and infection can occur through sharing razors or toothbrushes. However, about 30% of infection cases do not have a known mode of transmission.
Modes of Hepatitis B Transmission from One Person to Another:
- From mother to baby.
- Transmission within family members.
- Transmission through sexual activity and bodily fluids.
- Other unknown methods.
From the book “100 Questions About the Liver” by Professor Dr. Gamal Shiha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Liver Foundation and Chairman of the Education and Scientific Research Committee in the House of Representatives.