Hepatitis C is caused by Hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C virus is found in the blood of infected persons.
- sharing of needles between i.v. drug abusers, tattooists or acupuncturists (using non-sterile equipment).
- sexual contact with an infected person.
- accidental pricking with a contaminated needle.
- transmission from mother to child is rare.
- health care and laboratory staff handling blood and blood products are at an increased risk.
Infection with Hepatitis C virus results in the chronic carrier state in over 70 per cent of cases.
Reservoir
Humans.
Incubation period
This ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months; commonly 6 - 9 weeks. Chronic infection may persist up to 20 years before the onset of cirrhosis and hepatoma.
Signs and Symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Joint Pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Jaundice (yellowish colour on the skin and eyeballs)
Signs and symptoms, when they occur, are milder than Hepatitis B.
Diagnosis
Blood tests:
- Detection of HCV - specific antibodies (Anti HCV).
- Detection of HCV nucleic acid from clinical samples.
- Liver function tests can determine the severity of the disease.
- In chronic hepatitis C, a tissue sample from the liver can be used to assess its severity.
Control and Prevention
Educate patient and family members on disease, possible mode of transmission.
Emphasis:
- Avoid sharing of needles in intravenous drug users (harm reduction).
- On transmission to sexual partners (rare) - use of condoms.
- To educate on personal hygiene, hand washing, patient to keep their own belongings.
- Toilet facilities can be shared as long as hygiene and cleanliness is observed.
- Follow up of family members is important and contacts are encouraged to have their blood tested for the presence of anti-HCV.
- There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C.