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Digestive system
Digestive system
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C
Digestive system organs
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Hepatitis C

Definition:
Hepatitis C virus causes an inflammation of the liver.

Alternative Names:
Non-A or non-B hepatitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hepatitis C infection is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:

  • received a blood transfusion prior to July 1992
  • received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
  • injected street drugs or shared a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
  • have been on long-term kidney dialysis
  • as a healthcare worker had frequent contact with blood on the job
  • had sex with multiple partners
  • had sex with a person who has hepatitis C
  • shared personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with someone who has hepatitis C
  • were born to hepatitis C infected mothers

The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is approximately 4 million people in the United States or approximately 1 in 70 to 100 people. Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B.



Review Date: 5/14/2002
Reviewed By: Andrew Muir, Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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