Classification: ICD-9 070.5; ICD-10 B17.1 and B18.2.

Syndromes and synonyms: Non-A non-B hepatitis, HCV infection.

Agent: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped RNA virus (hepacavirus) and belongs to the flaviviruses. The HCV genome is highly mutable. There are at least six HCV genotypes and several subtypes with differences in clinical presentation, geographic distribution and treatment response. HCV was discovered in 1989 as another cause of transfusion associated hepatitis (non-A non-B hepatitis).

Reservoir: Humans.

Transmission: Person-to-person transmission occurs parentally (blood to blood). Mother to child transmission or transmission via sexual contact is rare. Mother to child transmission increases if the mother is co-infected with HIV.

Incubation period: Usually 6 to 9 weeks; range from 2 weeks to 6 months.

Clinical findings

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