Worldwide, there are at least 130 million cases of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The highest rates of this disease are in Egypt, China, and Pakistan. In the United States, where 3.2 million people have it, chronic hepatitis C virus infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection (World Health Organization, 2011).
Baby Boomers Have Highest Occurrence
The occurrence of hepatitis C virus in the United States is mostly among baby boomers who were born between 1945 and 1965, and they likely acquired it during the 1970s and 1980s. The term “baby boomer” is a reference to the surge of new births in the United States immediately after the Second World War.
No vaccine is available to prevent this condition, and there is no satisfactory pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis.
The presence of hepatitis C virus infection in a person is an indication for the patient to receive immunization against hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus infections if he or she has not already taken those vaccines. This is, of course, advisable to prevent any further complications which may result from hepatitis A or hepatitis B, both of which may worsen the liver damage already present from hepatitis C.
Long-term Complications
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection may in fact lead to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. These complications may take years to become apparent as four-fifths of people who have hepatitis C do not know that they have the disease. In other words, most patients with hepatitis C virus infection are without symptoms for many years.
Some of these patients will ultimately need liver transplantation, and chronic hepatitis C virus infection is the leading indication for that procedure. But one-sixth to one-fourth of patients with this disease will clear the virus from their system without any medical treatment and never develop chronic infection. This, however, does not exempt them from the acquisition of hepatitis C virus infection again should they subsequently encounter another exposure to the virus.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. (2011). Viral hepatitis. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- World Health Organization. (2011). Hepatitis C. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact their physician for advice.
Michael Koger - Dr. Koger obtained his medical education at Meharry Medical College and specialized in Internal Medicine.
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