Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C infection is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:

• Received a blood transfusion prior to July 1992
• Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
• Inject street drugs or share a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
• Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
• Have frequent workplace contact with blood (for instance, as a healthcare worker)
• Have or have had sex with multiple partners
• Have or have had sex with a person who has hepatitis C
• Share personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with someone who has hepatitis C
• Were born to hepatitis C infected mother

There are approximately 4 million people in the United States who are infected with hepatitis C (about 1 in 70 to 100 people). Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Each viral hepatitis infection is caused by a different virus.

Many people who are infected with the hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Hepatitis C is often detected during blood tests for a routine physical or other medical procedure. If the infection has been present for many years, the liver may be permanently scarred -- a condition called cirrhosis. In many cases, there may be no symptoms of the disease until cirrhosis has developed.

The following symptoms could occur with hepatitis C infection:

• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain (right upper abdomen)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Low-grade fever
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Generalized itching
• Ascites 
• Bleeding varices  (dilated veins in the esophagus)

• Hepatitis virus serology
• ELISA assay to detect hepatitis C antibody
• Hepatitis C PCR test
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Liver biopsy shows chronic inflammation
• Hepatitis C genotype. Six genotypes are present around the world. Most Americans have genotype 1 infection, which is the most difficult to treat.