Hepatitis C: The Shadow Epidemic

Course overview

Unlike hepatitis A and B, most patients newly diagnosed with hepatitis C are asymptomatic. The majority of diagnoses are made during biochemical or blood donor screening, or when symptoms emerge from advanced chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or end-stage liver disease. Clinicians can play a significant case-finding role with people who have hepatitis C because 90% of infected individuals have an identifiable risk factor. By taking careful histories, clinicians can identify those at risk and guide them to serological testing. As many as 50% of people with hepatitis C remain unidentified. This course provides an overview of related risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment options.