WHERE IS HCV FOUND?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small, single-stranded RNA virus with a diameter of approximately 50 nanometers. It is responsible for a liver disease called hepatitis C, which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer in many patients. HCV is the cause of the most common blood-borne infection in the United States, with an estimated 2.4 million people living with the virus.

Transmission Routes

HCV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. This can happen through:

• Blood transfusions: Before the 1990s, HCV was commonly transmitted through blood transfusions. With the addition of HCV screening to the blood supply in 1992, the risk of acquiring HCV through a blood transfusion became very low.

• Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia: People who inject drugs share needles, syringes, and other drug paraphernalia can spread HCV.

• Accidental needlesticks: Healthcare workers and others who are accidentally stuck with a contaminated needle can also become infected with HCV.

• Mother-to-child transmission: HCV can be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Locations Where HCV Is Found

HCV can be found in bodily fluids, primarily infected blood, of those infected with the virus. These are some locations where HCV can be found:

• Blood: HCV is commonly found in the blood of those with the infection in the acute or chronic stages of the disease.

• Saliva: The virus can be found in saliva, but the risk of transmission through saliva is very low.

• Semen and vaginal fluids: HCV is found in semen and vaginal fluids, which can transmit the virus through sexual contact.

• Breast milk: HCV can be found in breast milk, but the risk of transmission through breastfeeding is very low.

Risk Factors for Acquiring HCV

Certain factors put people at higher risk of acquiring HCV, including:

• Exposure to infected blood: Healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, and people who receive blood transfusions are at higher risk of exposure to infected blood.

• Unprotected sex: Having unprotected sex with someone who has HCV increases the risk of infection.

• Sharing personal items: Sharing razors, toothbrushes, or other personal items that could have blood on them can transmit HCV.

• Tattooing or piercing: Getting a tattoo or piercing with unsterile equipment can transmit HCV.

Populations at Greater Risk

Certain populations have a higher prevalence of HCV due to factors that increase their risk of infection, such as:

• People who inject drugs: People who inject drugs have the highest risk of HCV among the general population, with as many as 80% of individuals infected.

• People who have received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992: Prior to 1992, HCV was not routinely screened for in the blood supply or donated organs, leading to a higher risk of infection in individuals who received a transfusion or transplant before this time.

• People with HIV: Individuals with HIV are at increased risk of HCV infection due to the shared risk factors for the two viruses.

Conclusion

HCV is a potentially serious liver disease, but it can now be cured with newer medications. If you have risk factors for HCV, it is important to get tested so you can receive appropriate treatment.

FAQs

• What are the symptoms of HCV?

The symptoms of HCV can range from mild to severe and can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, and joint pain.

• How is HCV diagnosed?

HCV is diagnosed with a blood test that looks for the presence of HCV antibodies or the HCV RNA virus.

• How is HCV treated?

HCV is treated with antiviral medications that can cure the infection.

• What are the long-term effects of HCV?

Untreated HCV can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

• How can I prevent HCV?