Transfer via tattoo needles
There is also a low risk of infection with tattoo needles that came into contact with the blood of a person suffering from hepatitis B and were not cleaned hygienically. However, these needles are not designed to pierce the blood vessels. They only penetrate the skin layers and therefore do not have such direct contact with the blood. In addition, it usually takes more time before they are used again than needles with which drugs are injected, which means that the hepatitis B virus can survive worse on the surface of the needle anyway. The same applies to piercing devices.
Transmission by dialysis
An infection with the hepatitis B virus would theoretically be possible through dialysis. However, it no longer occurs if the current hygiene and precautionary measures are observed.
Transmission via breast milk
Since breast milk may contain components of the hepatitis B virus, infection during breastfeeding is a theoretical possibility. However, no study has yet demonstrated that this route of infection can occur. In addition, breast milk contains many components that are very important for the development of the child‘s immune system and can thus also protect it from infection. In order to make sure that the child is not exposed to any danger, breast milk can be tested for virus components. This is especially recommended for mothers suffering from hepatitis C.
Transmission during pregnancy and delivery
Transmission from an infected mother to her child is also possible both during pregnancy and delivery, with infection occurring more frequently during delivery and also representing the largest number of new infections worldwide.
Mechanism of inflammation
The exact mechanism that actually leads to the inflammatory reaction of the liver has not yet been fully clarified, but it is assumed that under the influence of the virus, certain cytotoxic (i.e. cell death inducing) defence cells (lymphocytes) are formed, which ultimately cause increased liver cells to die. This then causes the typical symptoms of hepatitis, which result from the limited functional capacity of the liver, and in later stages especially jaundice (icterus).
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