Untreated Hepatitis
Untreated chronic hepatitis, either due to hepatitis B or C, can result in cirrhosis or the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although any condition that causes cirrhosis can lead to cancer, hepatitis B is a much more common cause of cancer due to the direct oncogenicity of the virus. Even without cancer, however, cirrhosis is a condition that leads to several potentially life-threatening complications.
With the above background in mind, it is critical to understand that casual contact does not lead to hepatitis B or C transmission. Occupations for which bloodborne infections might pose a threat include healthcare fields (especially dentistry), piercing or tattooing, embalming and any other field that can lead to direct exposure to someone’s blood. Unless there is an accident that leads to direct blood exposure, there is no risk to individuals who come in contact with the individual. Neither the Center for Disease Control (CDC) nor the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that individuals with hepatitis B or C stop working to avoid exposing others, particularly if working in a low-risk occupation.
Untreated hepatitis C medical expert witness specialties include infectious disease, pediatric infectious disease, hepatology, hepatobiliary surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, addiction psychiatry, oncology, pediatric oncology, hepatobiliary surgery, bloodbanking, pathology, and pediatric oncology.