Hepatitis C, caused by
hepatitis C virus [HCV], has emerged as a major
health problem not only in developing world but also in
developed countries. HCV infects approximately 170 million people worldwide. HCV is the most efficiently transmitted through percutaneous exposure to
blood,
intravenous drug abuse, haemodialysis, nosocomial incidents [
colonoscopy], inadequately sterilised medical instruments, high-
risk sexual behaviour,
body piercing,
tattooing and vertical
transmission. Most
patients with acute HCV
infection develop
persistent infection and 75-85%
patients develop
chronic hepatitis.
Chronic hepatitis C predisposes
patients to progression to
fibrosis,
cirrhosis and
hepatocellular carcinoma. The
diagnosis of HCV
infection by serological, virological, molecular tools and
biopsy is essential in the management of HCV
infection. Pegylated
interferon a combined with
ribavirin has been the mainstay of
treatment of HCV
infection.
Awareness of
health care workers and general
population is important to curb this silent
epidemic. This
review is presented as an overview of
epidemiology,
virology,
pathogenesis, clinical manifestations,
diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of HCV
infection