Which hepatitis virus is transmitted by the fecal-oral route?

• A. Hepatitis E
• B. Hepatitis D
• C. Hepatitis B
• D. Hepatitis C

Answer: (A)

Fecal-oral transmission is typical for viruses that spread via contaminated water or food. Hepatitis E virus fits this pattern because it is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route, often in outbreaks in areas with poor sanitation. It is an RNA virus in the Hepeviridae family, and infections are usually self-limited in healthy individuals, though they can be severe in pregnant women. In contrast, hepatitis B and C are primarily spread through blood and body fluids, and hepatitis D is a delta agent that requires hepatitis B to replicate. Therefore, hepatitis E is the one transmitted by the fecal-oral route.