Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health problem and a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Over 150 million people worldwide have chronic HCV infection and are at risk of developing its life-threatening complications. Acute infection is usually asymptomatic, with most patients unaware that they have contracted the virus. Some patients clear the virus spontaneously, but most become chronic carriers. If carriers are identified, they can be treated with antiviral therapy, the main goal being prevention of cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma by eradicating the virus.