Infection control is very important in the healthcare profession. Healthcare workers, who do not practice adequate infection control, leave themselves susceptible to a variety of infections. Among the most feared of these infections are: hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Another infection whose prevalence has recently increased 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 very similar ways, but they do not all affect the same population. Hepatitis B was the first hepatitis virus to be discovered. There are seven genotypes for hepatitis B (Zein & 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 onwards. Symptoms of acute hepatitis B include: fever, abdominal discomfort, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and changes in the taste or smell of things (Zein & Edwards, 2009). Some individuals infected with acute hepatitis B show symptoms, while others show no symptoms. As a result, acute hepatitis B often goes undetected. When acute hepatitis B is suspected, the doctor should perform liver function tests (Zein & Edwards, 2009). These tests will reveal elevated AST and ALT levels when infected. Normally, levels gradually decrease as the disease progresses. Acute hepatitis B also causes increased bilirubin concentration levels (Worman, 2006). Acute hepatitis B often resolves suddenly. Acute hepatitis B can also cause... in full form... lomavirus (HPV), pelvic inflammatory disease, syphilis, trichomoniasis, vaginal infections and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including recent facts about prevalence , Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention: Along with tips on discussing and living with STDs, updates on current research and vaccines, a glossary of related terms, and resources for further help and information (4th ed.) . Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.comRumack, C. M., Wilson, S. R., & Charboneau, J. W. (2005). Diagnostic ultrasound (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.Worman, H. J. (2006). The source book on liver disorders and hepatitis (updated ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Zein, N. N., & Edwards, K. (2009). The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Liver Disorders. New York: Kaplan Pub.