How are Hepatitis B and C primarily transmitted?

Hepatitis B and C are primarily transmitted through bloodborne pathways. This means that the viruses are found in significant quantities in blood and certain body fluids of an infected person. Key modes of transmission include sharing needles or syringes among intravenous drug users, receiving contaminated blood products, and exposure to infected blood through cuts or abrasions.

In the case of Hepatitis B, it can also be spread through sexual contact, as the virus can be present in bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions. However, the primary route remains through direct blood exposure. Hepatitis C has a similar transmission profile, with a major risk factor being the sharing of needles.

Other modes of transmission, such as fecal-oral, airborne, or vector-borne, do not apply to Hepatitis B and C. Fecal-oral transmission is typical for viruses like Hepatitis A and certain types of gastrointestinal infections. Airborne transmission refers to infections that spread through the air, such as influenza or TB, while vector-borne transmission involves living organisms, like mosquitoes or ticks, which is not relevant to these hepatitis viruses. Therefore, understanding that Hepatitis B and C are bloodborne infections is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.