Methods of hepatitis B virus transfer in oral surgery.

Abstract

There are a variety of modes of transmission of the hepatitis B virus. Although the traditional parenteral mechanism of direct transfer of the virus via a needle containing infected serum or plasma is the most common, nontraditional parenteral mechanisms have been documented. These include transfer of the virus via saliva and plasma through minute skin abrasions, through mucosal surfaces, and indirectly via inanimate environmental surfaces. Current evidence does not support an intestinal mode of transmission. The various modes of transmission. The various modes of transfer of hepatitis B virus cause particular problems for people in the dental health care profession. However, knowledge of the different modes of virus transmission will allow the dental practitioner to take appropriate precautions to prevent transfer of hepatitis B virus from patient to dentist.