Definition:
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver.
Alternative Names:
Non-A or non-B hepatitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). People who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who: - Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
- Have regular contact with blood at work (for instance, as a health care worker)
- Have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C
- Inject street drugs or share a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
- Received a blood transfusion before July 1992
- Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
- Share personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with someone who has hepatitis C
- Were born to a hepatitis C-infected mother
Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Each viral hepatitis infection is caused by a different virus.
References:
Shiffman ML, Suter F, Bacon BR, et al. Peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 16 or 24 weeks in HCV genotype 2 or 3. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:124-134. Wong T, Lee SS. Hepatitis C: a review for primary care physicians. CMAJ. 2006;174:649-659. Rocca LG, et al. Management of patients with hepatitis C in a community setting: diagnosis, discussions and decisions to treat. Ann Fam Med. 2004;2:116-124.
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