Final answer:
The Hepatitis virus that is transmitted most commonly via the mother to baby and by bodily fluids is HBV (Hepatitis B Virus). It is associated with exposure to infectious blood or body fluids and can be transmitted through skin puncture, across the placenta, or through mucosal contact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hepatitis virus that is most commonly transmitted via the mother to the baby and by bodily fluids is HBV (Hepatitis B Virus). HBV is generally associated with exposure to infectious blood or body fluids such as semen or saliva. It can be transmitted through skin puncture, across the placenta, or through mucosal contact. It is important to note that HBV is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, hand holding, sneezing, or coughing, or even through breastfeeding or kissing.
Chronic HBV infections are associated with the highest mortality rates and are more common in infants. Approximately 90% of infected infants become chronic carriers, compared with only 6-10% of infected adults. Vaccination is available and recommended for children as part of the standard vaccination schedule and for adults at greater risk.