Hepatitis C
Alternative names:
non-A non-B hepatitis
Definition:
An inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
HepatitisC (HCV) is
the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United
States. It is caused by a virus. 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 a person who has hepatitis C
- Shared personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors
which may have blood on them, with someone who has hepatitis
C
- Were born to hepatitis C infected mothers
The incidence of hepatitis
C infection is 3.9 to 5 million people in the United States
or approximately 1 in 70 to 100. people. Other hepatitis virus
infections include hepatitis
A and hepatitis B
.
Updated Date: 06/30/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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