The prevalence, oral manifestations and management of viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia: an update.

Abstract

The aim of this review is to update healthcare professionals about the prevalence of various hepatitis viruses in the Saudi population. A perspective on the global and regional prevalence of hepatitis A, B and C viruses has also been given. The oral manifestations of hepatitis infection, the risks of patients and healthcare workers acquiring these infections, as well as the management of dental patients with hepatitis infection in the dental clinical setting has also been discussed. The universal precautions which should be observed while treating these patients have been reiterated, whereby detailed steps as pertaining to the management of these patients have been described, so as to optimize patient treatment, and at the same time to prevent dental healthcare workers from acquiring infection. The purpose of such management is therefore to ultimately improve the quality of life of patients infected with hepatitis viruses.