What are the modes of transmission, main signs and symptoms and treatments of hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is caused by an RNA virus and transmitted through blood (like hepatitis B, through wounds, sexual relations, transfusions, accidents with contaminated material, etc.). The usual manifestation is chronic and many people that have the virus are asymptomatic. The liver gradually undergoes injuries and some patients evolve to cirrhosis, hepatic cancer and death. Today interferon use is an attempt to control replication of the hepatitis C virus. The assessment of the disease is made periodically by hepatic biopsy and by blood tests of hepatic enzymes. Viral replication can be estimated through PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
