Hepatitis C viruses (HCV) are a group of RNA viruses that primarily infect the liver and cause hepatitis C, a viral infection that leads to progressive liver damage and can result in chronic liver disease. There are several strains or genotypes of hepatitis C viruses, identified as genotypes 1 through 6, with each genotype further divided into numerous subtypes.
HCV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as through sharing needles during injection drug use, unsterilized medical or dental equipment, or through blood transfusions before the implementation of effective screening measures. Sexual transmission and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth are also possible but less common modes of transmission.
Upon infection, HCV enters liver cells and replicates within them, leading to inflammation and damage to the liver tissue. The immune response triggered by HCV is often unable to effectively clear the virus from the body, resulting in its persistence and progression to chronic hepatitis C. Over time, chronic hepatitis C can cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and ultimately liver failure.
Symptoms of acute hepatitis C infection are often mild or absent, making it difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Chronic hepatitis C, when symptoms do occur, may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and vomiting. However, many individuals remain asymptomatic for years or even decades before severe liver damage becomes apparent.
Treatment for hepatitis C has undergone significant advancements with the development of direct-acting antiviral drugs that can effectively cure the infection in most cases. Early diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention measures remain crucial in the management and control of hepatitis C.
