Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection

Theodore Sy, M. Mazen Jamal

Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus remains a large health care burden to the world. Incidence rates across the world fluctuate and are difficult to calculate given the asymptomatic, often latent nature of the disease prior to clinical presentation. Prevalence rates across the world have changed as well with more countries aware of transfusion-related hepatitis C and more and more evidence supporting intravenous drug use as the leading risk factor of spread of the virus. This article reviews current hepatitis C virus prevalence and genotype data and examines the different risk factors associated with the virus.

Keywords: Epidemiology, hepatitis C virus, blood transfusions, intravenous drug use

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How to cite this article:
Sy T, Jamal MM. Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection. Int J Med Sci 2006; 3(2):41-46. doi:10.7150/ijms.3.41. Available from http://www.medsci.org/v03p0041.htm