Final answer:
HBV transmission can be reduced in health-care settings through the use of personal protective equipment, proper handling and disposal of syringes and needles, post-exposure treatment with HBIG and vaccination, and diligent disinfection practices. Chronic HBV infections may be treated with antiviral medications. Vaccination against HBV also provides protection against HDV.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preventing HBV Transmission:
To prevent transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and other blood-borne pathogens in health-care settings, several strategies must be employed. Primarily, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and face protection, is essential when handling blood or body fluids. Proper disposal of syringes and needles is critical, and using disposable items can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Following potential exposure to HBV, post-exposure prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. This vaccination is a non-infectious recombinant subunit vaccine derived from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) produced in yeast. Vaccination efforts, coupled with testing blood products and careful disinfection protocols, including the use of a 10% bleach solution for surfaces, have significantly reduced the incidence of HBV transmission in health-care environments.
For patients that acquire chronic HBV infections, antivirals such as lamivudine, entecavir, adefovir, and telbivudine may be used. In addition to vaccination, high-risk individuals, including health-care workers, are advised to undergo testing and vaccination against HBV, which also confers protection against Hepatitis D Virus (HDV), as it can only infect those already infected with HBV.