Hepatitis C
摘要
Hepatitis C is a significant disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can persist chronically and affects approximately 170 million individuals worldwide. The primary modes of transmission include contact with infected blood and blood products. Acute infections may be asymptomatic, resulting in a frequent lack of diagnosis. Chronic HCV infection can cause liver damage and cirrhosis. The virus is characterized by a diverse range of genotypes, necessitating genotype-specific treatments that include novel antiviral agents. While a cure is achievable, there is currently no vaccine available, underscoring the importance of prevention. Universal screening during pregnancy is not routinely recommended in many countries due to the low prevalence of HCV and a minimal vertical transmission rate.