HBV and saliva

[cantthinkofaname27]

Please assess the Hepatitis (I think just HBV?) risk associated with being rimmed and anally fingered for a couple of minutes with saliva being used as lubricant.  I have read contradictory reports regarding the HBV virus in saliva.  
Would pre-"fluid" from giving oral sex (no orgasm/ejaculation) be a risk?

thanks very much.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Of the 3 types of hepatitis, hepatitis C is not much of a concern.  Hardly ever transmitted sexually and on the rare occasions when it is, it is most strongly associated with rectal intercourse.  Hepatitis A is spread through contact with stool so rimming could occur for the person doing the rimming.  Hepatitis B is the main concern for sexually transmitted hepatitis and both genital-genital and ano-genital contact can spread the infection for either participant. The virus is present in both genital secretions (including pre-ejaculatory fluid) and blood.  The risk associated with oral sex is less well studied but, as for HIV, the risk from oral sex for either participant appears quite low and lower for the recipient than the person giving sex.  The virus may be apresnet in low quantities in saliva but does not survive well in the oral environment and is destroyed by stomach acid.

Hope this helps.  EWH

[cantthinkofaname27]

Thanks for the quick response.
In your opinion, in terms of numbers or percentages, what would be the risk specifically for HBV being transmitted to a person being rimmed and receiving anal stimulation by a finger lubricated with saliva?
Did you mean HBV instead of HIV?
Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Sorry, if I gave you percentages I would just be making them up.   They are unknown.  Low or perhaps very low is as much as I can provide.  If this is really a concern for you, get a test (you may have already had it- most hepatitis B is asymptomatic) and if you do not have antibodies, get the vaccine - it works.

I did mean HBV, sorry EWH