CATCH ME IF YOU CAN! SIMPLE STEPS SAVES LIVES - DENTAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Hepatitis – B virus is a double-stranded deoxy ribo nucleic acid virus belonging to the hepadna viridae family. HBV is the most common blood-borne pathogen affecting dental and medical professionals and also placing healthcare workers at high occupational risk. The most common inflammatory infection of the liver is caused by Hepatitis- B virus. There are many possible ways by which the disease is transmitted such as unprotected sexual contact, re-usage of contaminated needles, and vertical transmission. Percutaneous exposure (needle stick injuries) and contact with the saliva or blood of the infected patients is the most common mode of transmission during dental practice. It has been reported in certain studies that saliva and gingival crevicular fluid play a major role as there is a possibility of HBV transmission when dentists are exposed to it and thus oral health professionals are more vulnerable to hepatitis infection. This review is to discuss the transmission of the Hepatitis- B virus and the prevention strategy among dental practitioners.