Which of the following is another common transmission route for hepatitis B?

• A. Oral/fecal contact
• B. Unprotected sexual contact
• C. Contaminated food
• D. Contaminated water

Answer: (B)

Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids, so exposure to infected semen or vaginal fluids during sexual activity can allow the virus to enter the body. Unprotected sexual contact is a common route because it provides direct exchange of these fluids with mucous membranes or open skin.

The other options don’t fit as typical HBV routes. Hepatitis A, for example, spreads mainly through the oral-fecal route, often via contaminated food or water. HBV is not primarily spread by ingestion, and contaminated food or water are not the common transmission paths for this virus. In practice, HBV can also spread through blood exposure (like sharing needles or needlestick injuries), but the ingestion routes listed are not the main modes. Emphasizing safer sex practices and vaccination helps reduce this transmission risk.