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Causes of Hepatitis C


Hepatitis C infection occurs due to the hepatitis C virus or HCV. The virus spreads when there is contact with infected blood. The causes of Hepatitis C or rather the main modes of transmission of the virus are as follows:

  • Since blood screening tests were not up to the mark prior to 1992, it was possible for the hepatitis C virus to spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Now with significant improvements in these tests, detection of the virus is possible.
  • The hepatitis C virus can spread through shared contaminated needles during illicit drug use.
  • In some cases, babies may become infected with the virus during childbirth if their mothers have the infection.
  • In rare cases, the hepatitis C virus can spread through sexual relations.
The risk of Hepatitis C increases in the following groups of people:

  • Those with HIV
  • Health care workers who come in contact with infected blood
  • Those who inject drugs
  • Those who have had body piercings or tattoos in unhygienic environments
  • Those who have undergone blood transfusions or organ transplants prior to 1992
  • Those who have received clotting factor concentrates prior to 1987.
  • Those who have undergone hemodialysis treatment for a long course of time
  • Individuals born to mothers with hepatitis C infection
The hepatitis C infection can persist over a number of years and can lead to the following complications:

  • Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver tissue usually develops about 20 to 30 years after the infection. When cirrhosis occurs, liver functioning may be affected.
  • Liver Cancer: Liver cancer may occur in some individuals with hepatitis C infection.
  • Liver Failure: Hepatitis C infection may cause severe damage to the liver and hamper normal liver functioning.

Hepatitis C
Signs & Symptoms
References
  1. Alajos Pár, László Telegdy, Lajos Dalmi, Eva Müller, Hungarian Viral Hepatitis Treatment Study Group, Therapy for chronic hepatitis C, Journal of Physiology-Paris, Volume 95, Issues 1–6, January–December 2001, Pages 399-405, ISSN 0928-4257, 10.1016/S0928-4257(01)00054-7.
  2. Jacqueline Rhoads, Natural History and Epidemiology of Hepatitis C, Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS care, Volume 14, Issue 5, Supplement, September–October 2003, Pages 18S-25S, ISSN 1055-3290, 10.1177/1055329003254854.
  3. Samer S. El-Kamary, Michelle D. Shardell, Mohamed Abdel-Hamid, Soheir Ismail, Mohamed El-Ateek, Mohamed Metwally, Nabiel Mikhail, Mohamed Hashem, Amr Mousa, Amr Aboul-Fotouh, Mohamed El-Kassas, Gamal Esmat, G. Thomas Strickland, A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis, Phytomedicine, Volume 16, Issue 5, May 2009, Pages 391-400, ISSN 0944-7113, 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.02.002.