Hepatitis C Research
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver that results from a virus that is transmitted mainly from blood transfusions. Many cases are transmitted by drug users who share needles. The infection from blood transfusions has been as much as 80 percent of the cases but the number has been substantially reduced by screening the blood donors, eliminating some of the donors who get paid, and getting transfusions from friends and relatives There are indications that over 4 million people are infected with Hepatitis C and many of the cases will develop into chronic hepatitis that may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are some healthy people who are chronic carriers of the hepatitis C virus. Under a doctor's care most of the cases can be eliminated with drugs taken orally.
Prevention of hepatitis C depends on strict hygiene. Do not share personal items with other people such as razors or tooth brushes, drinking glasses, and nail files. Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic hepatitis as up to 75 percent of the Hepatitis cases develop into chronic hepatitis. Some of the drugs for acute hepatitis are responsible for chronic hepatitis if taken over long periods.
People with acute hepatitis C do not require any treatment as after the first few days, the appetite returns, the person does not have to stay in bed, and may return to daily duties or work after the jaundice disappears. People with severe acute hepatitis may have to be hospitalized, but most will recover without any treatment.
As many as 75 percent of acute hepatitis C cases may become chronic. Chronic hepatitis can persist for years and produce few symptoms. The cases that persist for several years ordinarily do not create problems and are minor. However, a few cases that continue to produce inflammation may cause slow deterioration to the liver causing liver failure and cirrhosis.
