Viral Hepatitis C: Epidemiology, ­Pathogenesis, Transmission, And ­Natural History

Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health issue, with more than 71 million infected worldwide and accounting for over 720,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. It can be associated with significant liver-related morbidity and mortality owing to complications from cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. The aging HCV population, together with changing patterns of drug use, has seen an increase in these complications of HCV and an increase in the number of acute HCV infections. Screening and managing complications of chronic hepatitis C are an important consideration. The changing epidemiology, risk factors, transmission, diagnosis, natural history (including complications) and patient evaluation and education are discussed. This review contains 4 figures, 2 tables, and 70 references Key words: epidemiology, hepatitis C virus, transmission, risk factors, natural history, patient education, evaluation