Which type of hepatitis is transmitted by blood or body fluids?

• A. Contaminated oysters
• B. Fecal-oral
• C. Blood or body fluids
• D. Contaminated food

Answer: (C)

Hepatitis viruses spread by different routes, and recognizing the transmission path helps explain why one option is correct. Some hepatitis viruses are spread via the fecal-oral route, typically through contaminated food or water (for example, shellfish that have been exposed to contaminated sewage). Others are transmitted through blood and body fluids, which is the hallmark of hepatitis B and hepatitis C (and hepatitis D, in the presence of hepatitis B). So, the statement describing transmission through blood or body fluids directly matches how these blood-borne hepatitis viruses spread, making it the best choice. In contrast, contaminated oysters or contaminated food describe the fecal-oral route, which is associated with HAV (and HEV) rather than the common blood-borne hepatitis viruses. This distinction helps explain why the blood or body fluids option is correct and reinforces prevention tips like vaccination for hepatitis A and B, safe needle practices, and safe sex to reduce exposure to blood and bodily fluids.