What type of disease is Hepatitis B classified as?

Hepatitis B is classified as a bloodborne disease, which refers to infections that are transmitted through contact with infected blood and certain body fluids. This classification is essential because it highlights the primary mode of transmission for Hepatitis B, which is predominantly through blood-to-blood contact, such as through shared needles or from mother to child during childbirth.

In addition to being a bloodborne disease, Hepatitis B is also categorized as a viral disease, since it is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, the emphasis on it being bloodborne is crucial in understanding the precautions necessary for preventing its spread, especially in healthcare settings where exposure risks are higher.

Other classifications such as autoimmune or respiratory do not apply to Hepatitis B. Autoimmune diseases arise when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, while respiratory diseases typically involve infections affecting the lungs or airways, which is not relevant to Hepatitis B’s transmission or pathology. Therefore, recognizing Hepatitis B primarily as a bloodborne disease is vital in both public health and clinical practice.