Hidden hazards of HCV transmission

Med Microbiol Immunol. 2011 Feb;200(1):7-11. doi: 10.1007/s00430-010-0159-9. Epub 2010 May 12.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus infection is a global health problem that has important epidemiological and clinical consequences. It has been well established that exposure to infected blood is the main risk factor for HCV transmission. However, in 20% of cases the agent transmission occurs by unknown route or in the presence of an unidentified source of infection. Understanding of the epidemiology of HCV is needed to help us define future control and preventive strategies. Herein, we discuss about diagnosis of HCV infection and hepatitis C surveillance in the context of its transmission.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood / virology*
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious*
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification*
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / transmission*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans