Hepatitis C. An update

Michael C. Safioleas; Christina P. Manti

Abstract

Hepatitis C is a long-term viral infection affecting the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus HCV. Hepatitis C can be silent for years before symptoms appear, and liver damage occurs. The hepatitis C virus is extremely infectious, which means that only a tiny amount of HCV can cause illness. Hepatitis C is a major public health problem worldwide with far-reaching implications because of the chronicity of the infection that leads to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

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