Human hepatitis viruses.

Abstract

Dental care workers, including dental laboratory technologists, are at occupational risk for the occupational acquisition of hepatitis viruses. Of course, personal behaviors, home environments and health histories affect the rate of viral infections for all persons. Of greatest concern are hepatitis B, C and D. Although highly infectious, there are highly effective vaccines that prevent acquisition of hepatitis B. Prevention of hepatitis B infection precludes any hepatitis D infection. Hepatitis C viruses are less infectious than hepatitis B. However, since no vaccine exists for hepatitis C and the increased chances for the development of chronic infection hepatitis C will remain a serious health concern. Human blood is an excellent medium for the growth and transmission of human hepatitis. This means that new (and possible more virulent forms of currently known viruses) hepatitis viruses will likely continue to be identified for the foreseeable future.