Overview of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Hepatitis C virus infection is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can lead to chronic liver damage and related complications if left untreated.
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HCV Transmission Routes | Liver Disease Management | Prevention Of Viral Hepatitis | Hepatitis C Infection | HCV Screening | Antiviral Therapy
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Hepatitis C Virus Infection FAQ


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Is hepatitis C a disease?

Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis C virus is one of many different viruses that can infect the liver. It lives in liver tissue and blood and can cause severe scarring and damage to the liver. This can have long-lasting health effects. About 80% of people infected with hepatitis C develop chronic (long-lasting) infection.

What causes hepatitis C infection?

Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection spreads when blood that has the virus enters the bloodstream of a person who isn't affected. Around the world, hepatitis C infection exists in several forms, called genotypes.

Where does hepatitis C virus infection occur?

Hepatitis C virus infection occurs in all WHO regions. The highest burden of disease is in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and European Region, with 12 million people chronically infected in each region. In the South-East Asia Region and the Western Pacific Region, an estimated 10 million people in each region are chronically infected.

What is hepatitis C infection?

Hepatitis is a disease or inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis c virus which is transmitted through blood to blood contact. Hepatitis C is one of the most serious types of hepatitis. When a person is first infected with hepatitis C they may have short-term symptoms known as an acute infection.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection References

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