Can Chronic Viral Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Sexual Contact?

Chronic Viral Hepatitis B can indeed be transmitted through sexual contact. This mode of transmission is one of the key ways the virus spreads, and there are four primary routes of Hepatitis B transmission:

1. Blood and bodily fluid transmission
2. Close personal contact
3. Placental or perinatal transmission
4. Sexual contact, which involves the exchange of bodily fluids and can lead to Hepatitis B infection

Historically, most Hepatitis B infections were traced back to two main sources: needle sharing, especially in areas with poor medical hygiene and inadequate sterilization practices, and mother-to-child transmission during birth. However, recent studies have shown that a significant number of adult Hepatitis B cases result from sexual transmission. This form of transmission can sometimes lead to acute hepatitis.

Furthermore, familial clustering of Hepatitis B cases often suggests the presence of unknown or underreported transmission pathways. As a result, sexual contact has become a recognized and increasingly common cause of acute Hepatitis B infections. Protective measures such as vaccination and safe sexual practices are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.