Hepatitis C: From Pathophysiology to Disease Management

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus. People infected by the virus do not exhibit symptoms initially but occasionally dark urine, yellow tinged skin, fever and abdominal pain may occur. The infection can potentially lead to liver disease and cirrhosis. The hepatitis C virus is spread due to the use of poorly sterilized medical equipment, transfusions, blood-to-blood contact and needlestick injuries. It may also spread when an infected mother gives birth to her baby. There is no vaccination against hepatitis C. However, hepatitis C can be prevented using a combination of harm reduction strategies, including treatment of substance abuse, provision of new syringes and needles, and screening of blood donors. Chronic infection with hepatitis C can be cured with antiviral medications such as simeprevir or sofosbuvir. This book covers in detail the clinical aspects of hepatitis C from pathophysiology to disease management. It unravels the recent studies in hepatitis C. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of study.