Infection control is very important in the healthcare profession. Health care professionals who do not adequately control infections leave themselves at risk for a number of infections. Among the most feared infections are: hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Another infection that has recently increased in prevalence is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These infections are all treated differently. Each infection has its own symptoms, classifications and incubation periods. These infections are transmitted in a very similar way, but they do not all target the same population. Hepatitis B was the first of the hepatitis viruses to be discovered. There are seven genotypes of hepatitis B (Zein and Edwards, 2009). There are two forms of the disease, acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis B is a form that lasts less than six months, while chronic hepatitis B lasts from six months. Symptoms of acute hepatitis B include: fever, stomach upset, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and changes in the way things taste or smell (Zein and Edwards, 2009). Some people infected with acute hepatitis B have symptoms, while others have no symptoms. As a result, acute hepatitis B often goes unnoticed. When acute hepatitis B is suspected, the doctor should perform liver function tests (Zein and Edwards, 2009). These tests will reveal elevated levels of AST and ALT if there is an infection. Normally, levels gradually decrease as the disease progresses. Acute hepatitis B also causes increased bilirubin levels (Worman, 2006). Acute hepatitis B often resolves suddenly. Acute hepatitis B can also cause...... middle of paper ...... lomavirus (HPV), pelvic inflammatory disease, syphilis, trichomoniasis, vaginal infections, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including Recent facts on prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention: plus tips for discussing and living with STDs, updates on current research and vaccines, a glossary of terms related and resources for additional help and information (4th ed.). Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics. Mayo Clinic. (nd). Mayo Clinic. Accessed November 13, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.comRumack, CM, Wilson, SR and Charboneau, JW (2005). Diagnostic Ultrasound (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby. Worman, H. J. (2006). The Sourcebook on Liver Disorders and Hepatitis (Updated Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill. Zein, N.N. and Edwards, K. (2009). The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Liver Disorders. New York: Kaplan Pub.