Hepatitis C infection (HCV) Definition (MEDICAlNEWSTODAY)
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are several strains of viral hepatitis. The most common types are A, B, and C.
HCV is the most widespread blood-borne disease in the United States (U.S.). An estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million people have chronic HCV infection.
The virus invades the cells in the liver and causes swelling and dysfunction.
There is no vaccination for HCV. The presence of HCV antibodies in the immune system does not provide long-term protective immunity in the same way as a vaccine. The immune system holds no permanent record of HCV antibodies.
A person can become re-infected with a different strain of the virus.
