Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which infects liver cells and can cause severe inflammation of the liver with long-term complications. Among those exposed to HCV, about 40% may recover completely, but the remaining patients become chronic carriers. Chronic hepatitis can be defined as a continuing disease without improvement for at least six months.
Chronic HCV infection is a worldwide public health problem with a global prevalence of 2–3%.1 Hepatitis C virus is the main reason for liver transplantation in the developed world and the main cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in a number of countries. It is a frequent cause of chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is also implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and rheumatic disorders.1
Hepatitis C virusistransmitted primarily by blood and blood products, commonly by sharing infected needles with a carrier, from receiving infected blood and from accidental exposure to infected blood. Sexual transmission of HCV is less common than that of HBV and HIV. Perinatal transmission from mother to fetus is also possible, although uncommon. Many infected individuals have no obvious risk factors.
Symptoms of hepatitis C
Symptoms of acute hepatitis C infection include nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice and flu-like symptoms. Most patients with chronic hepatitis C will be asymptomatic or have nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue.
Management of hepatitis C
No specific treatment is available for acute HCV infection. The treatment that has shown the most promise in chronic hepatitis C is pegylated interferon alpha. This agent is often combined with an antiviral drug, ribavirin. Currently, there is no vaccine available against hepatitis C, as the virus comes in many forms and constantly mutates.
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Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 16, 2012