Hepatitis C

Experimental drug may work against hepatitis C

(HealthDay)—An experimental therapy for hepatitis C—a "silent killer" linked to liver cancer and cirrhosis—has shown promise in tamping down virus levels in early trials.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 27, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

HIV sufferers need hepatitis safeguards

Stronger protections are needed to prevent people with HIV from also becoming infected with hepatitis, researchers argue in a new study led by Michigan State University.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 27, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Preventable liver disease costs more than diabetes: Team hopes to reduce burden with research-led intervention

Liver diseases have an impact on the Australian economy 40 per cent greater than chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes combined, according to a report released today.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 27, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Better long-term outcomes with low hep C viral load

(HealthDay)—In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), low HCV viral load predicts better long-term surgical outcomes, regardless of the serologic eradication of HCV, ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 25, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Men and women get sick in different ways

At the dawn of third millennium medical researchers still know very little about gender-specific differences in illness, particularly when it comes to disease symptoms, influencing social and psychological factors, and the ...

Cardiology created Mar 22, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 1

Sex between monogamous heterosexuals rarely source of hepatitis C infection

Individuals infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have nothing to fear from sex in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship. Transmission of HCV from an infected partner during sex is rare according to new research published ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 19, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Newly incarcerated have one percent acute hepatitis C prevalence

A study published in the March issue of Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, estimates that the prevalence of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is nearly one percent among ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 19, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Prediction of seasonal flu strains improves chances of universal vaccine

(Medical Xpress)—Researchers have determined a way to predict and protect against new strains of the flu virus, in the hope of improving immunity against the disease.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 12, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Report supports tackling tobacco consumption, improving vaccination access to reduce global cancer burden

Combating the tobacco industry's tactics in the world's poorest countries as well as ensuring the best cancer vaccines are available to those most in need are key in order to reduce the number of cancer deaths worldwide, ...

Cancer created Mar 07, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

HIV infection appears associated with increased heart attack risk

A study that analyzed data from more than 82,000 veterans suggests that infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI, heart attack) beyond ...

HIV & AIDS created Mar 04, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Studies advance knowledge of HIV impact on hepatitis C infection and genes that may thwart HCV

Infectious disease experts at Johns Hopkins have found that among people infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), co-infection with HIV, speeds damage and scarring of liver tissue by almost a decade.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 04, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

AAD: Skin changes can be first sign of underlying condition

(HealthDay)—Skin changes, including new rash, new growths, discoloration, and changes in texture, could be among the first signs indicating an underlying medical condition, according to information presented ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 01, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Give needles, condoms to inmates to curb HIV, experts urge

Giving inmates drug substitution treatment, needles and condoms are key ways to help curb addiction and HIV infection in European jails, experts say, calling on authorities to change their approach to prison health care.

HIV & AIDS created Mar 01, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Researchers show that lipid nanoparticles are ideal for delivering genes and drugs

Researchers from Basque Public University are using nanotechnology to develop new formulations that can be applied to drugs and gene therapy. Specifically, they are using nanoparticles to design systems for ...

Genetics created Feb 28, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

HIV-HCV coinfection speeds HCV-related liver fibrosis

(HealthDay)—Individuals who are coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibit liver fibrosis similar to that of individuals without HIV who are nearly 10 years older, according to research published ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Feb 27, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0


Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting primarily the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection is often asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver and ultimately to cirrhosis, which is generally apparent after many years. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure, liver cancer or life-threatening esophageal and gastric varices.

HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment and transfusions. An estimated 130–170 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. The existence of hepatitis C (originally "non-A non-B hepatitis") was postulated in the 1970s and proven in 1989. It is not known to cause disease in other animals.

The virus persists in the liver in about 85% of those infected. This persistent infection can be treated with medication; peginterferon and ribavirin are the current standard therapy. Overall, between 50–80% of people treated are cured. Those who develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may require a liver transplant. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplantation though the virus usually recurs after transplantation. No vaccine against hepatitis C is currently available.

This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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