Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver, brought about by infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV), of which there are 6 variants, characterized by different genotypes, different epidemiological distribution and sensitivity to available antiviral drugs.
At the time of initial infection, hepatitis C is often asymptomatic, causing the acute phase to be experienced unconsciously in many cases. Diagnosis may be issued later, during checks directed for other purposes, or following the onset of symptoms of chronicity, which about 80% of patients go through.
About 20-30% of people with chronic hepatitis C will experience cirrhosis of the liver within 10-20 years and will be at increased risk of developing liver cancer.
