Background. This article provides dental personnel with a brief overview of the different types of viral hepatitis, including their epidemiology, clinical features, prevention and treatment. It also explores the ramifications of these diseases for the practice of dentistry.
Description of the Condition. Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by one of at least six distinct viruses. The hepatitis A and E viruses, or HAV and HEV, are enterically transmitted viruses that produce acute disease only. The hepatitis B, C and D viruses, or HBV, HCV and HDV, are most efficiently transmitted by infected blood, but also can be transmitted by exposure to other infectious bodily fluids. These three viruses can cause acute or chronic hepatitis. People with chronic viral hepatitis can develop chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The hepatitis G virus was recently identified, and its ability to cause clinically significant acute or chronic hepatitis is unknown.
Conclusions. Dental health care workers, or DHCWs, should be concerned primarily with HBV, HCV and HDV, as occupational exposure to these pathogens places them at risk of developing acute or chronic infections. Vaccines and immune globulins are available and effective in protecting against infections with HAV, HBV and HDV, but not HCV.
Clinical Implications. DHCWs should become knowledgeable about viral hepatitis. They should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Adherence to infection control measures will help prevent occupational transmission of all bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis viruses.
