Virus Information

Hepatitis C is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver. Inflammation of the liver may be caused by a number of viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, as well as by alcohol, drugs, and certain chemical compounds.

It has long been known that a form of viral hepatitis distinct from both hepatitis A and B existed, but it was only in 1989 that the hepatitis C virus was first identified.

Hepatitis C is transmitted mainly by direct contact with infected blood or blood products. Although there have been many reported cases of hepatitis C being transmitted through blood products before these were screened for the virus, modern screening techniques have virtually eliminated the risk of hepatitis C transmission to users of Canada's blood system.

Currently, the major mode of contracting hepatitis C is through the sharing of contaminated needles and other instruments among injection drug users. Other risk behaviours include using contaminated equipment for tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, and intra nasal (snorting) cocaine use. Current research tells us that the risks of transmitting hepatitis C through sexual intercourse or childbearing are low.

Although some people may experience symptoms such as fatigue and jaundice following initial infection (acute stage) with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), many others have no symptoms. Because the disease progresses slowly in the body, symptoms can appear many years after initial infection (chronic stage). In Canada, it is estimated that 250,000 persons are currently infected with hepatitis, and approximately one-third of those living with HCV are unaware of their infection. It is estimated that 5,000 newly diagnosed infections occur each year; and approximately 1,000 persons in Canada die annually from this disease. In Canada, the majority of new infections result from the use of contaminated drug injection equipment.

Approximately 10-20% of persons infected with hepatitis C develop cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is a severe degenerative disease that causes liver cells to be damaged and replaced by scar tissue. It can lead to liver failure resulting in the need for a liver transplant; liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma); death. As the liver ceases to function properly, it loses its ability to perform the important functions such as breaking down foods in the digestive process, storing vitamins and minerals, producing proteins required for blood clotting, and cleansing the blood of toxic substances.

In Canada, there are a few approved drug therapies to treat chronic hepatitis C infection in adult patients.

Currently, there exists no vaccine to protect people from contracting the hepatitis C virus.