Final answer:
Hepatitis caused by parenteral transmission, such as from blood transfusions, is typically Hepatitis B (HBV). It can lead to chronic infections, especially in infants, progressing to severe liver diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of hepatitis that is commonly caused by an infection via parenteral transmission, primarily through blood transfusion, is Hepatitis B (HBV). This virus is notably associated with exposure to infectious blood or body fluids and can be transmitted through skin puncture, across the placenta, or through mucosal contact. Health-care workers, individuals who use intravenous drugs, or those with sexual contacts with an infected person are at greater risk of contracting HBV. Chronic infections can occur, particularly in infants, and these may progress to more severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. To prevent infection, vaccination against HBV is highly recommended; this includes a routine schedule for children and targeted vaccination for adults at higher risk.
Vaccination is a critical preventive measure for HBV. It is standard practice to administer the HBV vaccine to all workers with occupational exposure to blood. Furthermore, HCV is also primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, often associated with intravenous drug use or blood transfusions, necessitating similar preventative strategies.