The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes inflammation of the liver.
Synonyms
Hepatitis C virus
Detailed description
The RNA virus infects human liver cells. Due to its high mutation rate, a lot of genetic variations exist. The WHO estimates that one percent of the world population is chronically infected with HCV. Transmission is mainly via contaminated blood and can happen in hospitals or through drug use. HCV infection can lead to liver cell carcinoma.
The German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) has produced and released a new film about the broad spectrum of its activities. At the DZIF, over 700 researchers in 35 member institutions at seven
Infections with the hepatitis E virus often go unnoticed because they cause no symptoms. However, in patients with weakened immune systems or pre-existing liver damage, and in pregnant women, the
Acute hepatitis is usually caused by known (hepatitis) viruses, toxic substances, or autoimmune diseases. In about 10-20 percent of cases of acute hepatitis, however, no such cause can be found. Many of these cases show laboratory or histologic evidence of a viral etiology, but the known viruses ...
