Hepatitis C Infection: A Clinician’s Guide

It has been a mere 10 years since a portion of the genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), the infectious agent responsible for most cases of post transfusion hepatitis was sequenced. The discovery in 1989 was followed by the development of tests to detect anti-HCV antibodies, facilitating the screening of potential blood donors. As a result, the number of new cases of HCV infections has decreased dramatically from an estimated 180,000 cases in the mid-1980s to 28,000 cases in 19951. Despite this reduction in the number of cases of acute infection, HCV infection remains a significant health concern in light of the tendency for most patients to develop asymptomatic, chronic HCV infection. It is estimated that approximately 4 million (1.8%) Americans are currently infected with HCV1. Chronic HCV carriers are at higher risk for cirrhosis, end stage liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, since chronic HCV individuals remain viremic, they are capable of transmitting the infection to others. In recognition of the scope of HCV associated disease, the following review is provided. Our intent is to provider the with an overview of HCV infection, with special mention of HCV infection in the pregnant patient.