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What is the chance of spread of hepatitis B through food contaminated with blood?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At May 13, 2020
Reviewed AtMay 25, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Is there any chance of hepatitis B spread through eating food contaminated with infected blood?

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, the whole blood and serum (white fluid within blood) contains large amount of virus, and virus can live on blood spots outside the human body for the duration of one week. So actually it depends upon how much blood, and how much time it has been on the stain that can determine the chances of acquiring infection if contaminated with food. So I guess my answer can be partially answering your query.

If you tell me the exact event I may be in a better position to tell you the figures. Otherwise, as a general rule, hepatitis B does not spread via food, having said that, it can still spread if blood contaminated food has been ingested. Since virus invades the human body when comes in close to mucosa (lining of our mouth) and then spread to blood within human. This happens in the same way as one infected person can transmit infection via kissing, hugging, sharing of a towel, spoon, plates, and so on.

If you are puzzled with all that information, I want you to simply get a blood test for hepatitis B infection. It is a simple blood test that can give us a clue.

I hope this helps.

The Probable causes

Post-exposure risk stratification.

Investigations to be done

Hepatitis B surface antigen. Hepatitis B core total.

Regarding follow up

Follow up after testing.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is there a possibility of hepatitis B spread through eating chutney mixed with infected hepatitis B blood?

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Again to be very realistic with you it is plus minus call. Dried blood does not contain as much amount of virus as that of a fresh blood sample. To summarize, yes, there are some chances of acquiring infection.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

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