Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Hepatitis C refers to a type of viral infection that causes damage and inflammation in the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus spreads through the body fluids or blood of an infected person. There are various stages of hepatitis C such as the incubation period, acute hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The signs and symptoms of infection include yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin, fatigue, dark-colored urine, weight loss, loss of appetite, and itchy skin. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and antibody test are typically used to diagnose hepatitis C. There is no vaccine available to protect against infection from the hepatitis C virus. However, the majority of cases of chronic and acute hepatitis C can be treated with direct-acting antiviral medications (DAAs). This book contains a detailed explanation of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of this disease. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this medical condition.