Source: Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Globally, an estimated 58 million people have chronic HCV infection, with about 1.5 million new infections occurring per year. WHO estimated that in 2019, approximately 290 000 people died from hepatitis C, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). It is popularly known as Kaala Peeliya in northern parts of India.

About

Diagnosis

Prognosis

The hepatitis C virus is a blood-borne virus. Most infection occur through exposure to blood from unsafe injection practices, unsafe health care, unscreened blood transfusions, injection drug use and sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood. Antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of persons with HCV infection, but access to diagnosis and treatment is low. There is currently no effective vaccine against HCV infection.

HCV infection is diagnosed in 2 steps: Testing for anti-HCV antibodies with a serological test identifies people who have been infected with the virus. If the test is positive for anti-HCV antibodies, a nucleic acid test for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) is needed to confirm chronic infection.

Hepatitis C is treated using direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablets. DAA tablets are the safest and most effective medicines for treating hepatitis C. They're highly effective at clearing the infection in more than 90% of people. The tablets are taken for 8 to 12 weeks.