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Hepatitis C - Overview

Alternative Names

Non-A or non-B hepatitis

Definition of Hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver.

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.

Digestive system

Hepatitis C

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 2/20/2008
Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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.