Epidemiology and natural history of hepatitis C virus infection among children and young people

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health burden with an estimated prevalence varying between 0.6%-10% dependent on geographical location and an estimated 71 million people worldwide with chronic infection [1 –3]. In Western Europe, the estimated prevalence is 1.5%-3.5%, but in the UK it is 0.5%. Chronic HCV is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is a leading cause of end stage liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide [3–6]. Although HCV infection rarely contributes to mo rbidity during childhood, the majority of HCV infected children develop chronic HCV with a lifetime risk of serious liver disease [7].

Source: Journal of Hepatology - November 26, 2018 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Line Modin, Adam Arshad, Bryony Wilkes, Jennifer Benselin, Carla Lloyd, William L. Irving, Deirdre A. Kelly Source Type: research