Can Hepatitis B or C Spread Through Surfaces?
Q: Two days ago, I visited a government office for some work. There I sat on a chair whose arm stand was broken. It had a sharp edge that accidentally scratched me that bled a little. I am concerned that many people might have been scratched by that. Can that be an issue? I know HIV can’t occer in this way. But I am concerned regarding hepatitis B and C. Please help me.
-By Mohna
Reply:
Probability for you to get infected in this way is very less, but it cannot be ruled out.
Just like AIDS, both Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids. These would include:
- Infected blood
- Infected semen
- Saliva, if stained with blood
- Vaginal fluid
So common ways of transmission of all these viral syndromes are:
- Sharing syringes with infected people
- Having sex with infected partner
- Procedures like tattooing, blood transfusion, dialysis
- Coming in touch with open infected wounds
These viruses do not spread through sweat.
However, inanimate surfaces can also be infected by Hepatitis viruses- B or C. This happens in situations like- an infected person having open bleeding wounds infects some surface with his blood. Even if the blood gets dried up, it is infective for about 5 days.
The survival of a germ on inanimate objects depends upon the temperature and humidity of the place.
Such possibilities are very rare though, they cannot be ruled out theoretically.
Just as an assurance, you can consider getting serological tests for detection of specific Hepatitis markers in your blood. If the test turn out to be negative, you need not worry.
Take Care,
Buddy M.D.
Will you please tell me after what time should I consider these test?
You may go for these screening tests at the earliest.
Screening Hepatitis B
The usually performed test is Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG) test. Here the surface protein present over the body of the virus is detected.
It is a very early test. It shows the presence of the virus much before the appearance of any symptoms.
Another test is called Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test. This is a late test. Here, antibodies produced in response to the surface antigen is measured.
It is therefore not positive during the early phases, when little or no antibodies are produced.
Screening Hepatitis C
Anti-HCV test may be done. This detects the presence of antibodies against the virus. It may come positive after 4 weeks or more of exposure.