Question

Describe the natural history of hepatitis C virus infection, with reference to each of the stages in the natural history timeline.

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is described below

Explanation:

Hepatitis C infection results from exposure to blood and other organic fluids infected with the hepatitis C virus.  After infection, acute hepatitis occurs. Some of the patients present jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) although many do not and may not notice they're infected. Spontaneous resolution may occur in less than half of the patiens in this stage within six months after infection. Those who do not, progress on to develop chronic hepatitis. About one third or less of these patients will progress to cirrhosis that takes about 25 to 30 years to develop. Chronic hepatitis may also cause liver cancer and other diseases and may be diagnosed by the presence of HCV RNA after six months of infection.