What is the approximate risk of acquiring Hepatitis B from a needle-stick exposure?

What is the approximate risk of acquiring Hepatitis B from a needle-stick exposure?

• A. 0.3%
• B. 3%
• C. 30%
• D. 0.03%

Answer: (A)

Hepatitis B transmission risk after a needle-stick exposure is relatively high compared with HIV, and it depends on how infectious the source is. If the source is actively infectious (HBsAg positive and HBeAg positive), the risk to a susceptible person can be as high as about 30%. If the source is HBeAg negative or of unknown status, the risk is lower, roughly in the range of 2–6%. Vaccination of the exposed person (and post-exposure prophylaxis when indicated) dramatically reduces or prevents infection, often making the risk negligible. The figure 0.3% reflects HIV risk, not HBV, which explains why HBV risk is described as much higher.

Hepatitis B transmission risk after a needle-stick exposure is relatively high compared with HIV, and it depends on how infectious the source is. If the source is actively infectious (HBsAg positive and HBeAg positive), the risk to a susceptible person can be as high as about 30%. If the source is HBeAg negative or of unknown status, the risk is lower, roughly in the range of 2–6%. Vaccination of the exposed person (and post-exposure prophylaxis when indicated) dramatically reduces or prevents infection, often making the risk negligible. The figure 0.3% reflects HIV risk, not HBV, which explains why HBV risk is described as much higher.