Hepatitis C is a leading cause of _________?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) that primarily targets the liver. It is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. The virus spreads through contact with infected blood, most commonly through unsafe injections, blood transfusions, or sharing of contaminated needles. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, which can sometimes be prevented through vaccination, there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C, making prevention and early detection extremely important.

Once inside the body, HCV attacks liver cells (hepatocytes) and causes inflammation of the liver. In the early stages, many infected individuals show no visible symptoms, which is why the disease often goes undiagnosed for years. Over time, the persistent viral infection leads to chronic liver damage, as the body’s immune system continuously tries to fight off the virus, causing scarring of liver tissue known as fibrosis. If untreated, this condition can progress to cirrhosis (severe scarring) and even liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Chronic Hepatitis C is also one of the leading reasons for liver transplants in advanced cases. Common symptoms, when they appear, include fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and abdominal discomfort. Modern antiviral medications, known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), have significantly improved recovery rates and can cure most patients within a few months.

Preventive measures such as using sterile medical equipment, avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes, and screening blood donations have reduced transmission. However, due to its silent progression, regular medical checkups remain vital.

In conclusion, Hepatitis C is a leading cause of chronic liver disease due to its long-term damage to liver cells and the body’s inability to clear the infection without medical treatment.