Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is relatively easy to diagnose via a combination of blood tests that look for antibodies against the virus, and the presence of copies of viral RNA.

The hepatitis C virus spreads when blood contaminated with the virus enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person.The virus itself exists in seven distinct forms known as “genotypes.” Treatment medications and duration may vary depending on the HCV genotype of the patient.

Your risk of contracting hepatitis C is increased if you:

• are a health care worker who has been exposed to infected blood
• have injected or inhaled illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine
• are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• received a piercing or tattoo in an unclean environment using unsterile equipment
• received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
• received clotting factor concentrates before 1987
• have received hemodialysis treatments
• were born to a woman with a hepatitis C infection
• were ever in prison
• were born between 1945 and 1965, the age group with the highest incidence of hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C infection that continues for many years can cause significant complications:

• Scarring of the liver (fibrosis) or severe scarring of the liver (cirrhosis): After decades of hepatitis C infection, fibrosis or cirrhosis may occur. Scarring of the liver can cause symptoms and/or liver dysfunction.
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure: Advanced cirrhosis may cause the liver to stop functioning entirely. HCV cirrhosis resulting in liver failure is a common indication for needing a liver transplant.