Acute hepatitis C refers to the early phase of HCV infection, representing a critical point in disease evolution before potential chronicity [2]. It is characterized by recent acquisition of the virus, with diagnosis complicated in immunocompromised, reinfected, or superinfected patients due to challenges in detecting seroconversion and viral RNA from a prior negative status [1].
Disease overview
Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Acute hepatitis C virus infection is a global public-health concern with marked geographical variation in incidence [1]. The early phase of infection is a pivotal stage, with roughly 50–70% of recently acquired cases progressing to chronic viremia beyond six months [2]. Populations such as people who inject drugs and those undergoing unsafe medical procedures are among the most susceptible [1][3].
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The majority of patients experience a favourable course, yet approximately half to two-thirds of those with recent infection develop chronic infection defined by viremia persisting beyond six months [2]. Diagnostic confirmation of acute HCV is particularly difficult in immunocompromised, reinfected, and superinfected individuals because anti-HCV antibody seroconversion and HCV RNA may be hard to detect from a previously negative antibody state [1].
Acute HCV infection shows substantial geographical variation in incidence globally [1]. In Myanmar, pooled seroprevalence was 2.18% in low-risk, 37.07% in high-risk, 33.84% in liver disease patients, and 2.52% in refugees, with genotype 3 predominant across subgroups, indicating intermediate endemicity [4]. Among people who inject drugs in general practice, meta-analysis estimated a 46% prevalence of hepatitis C [3].
The World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate hepatitis C virus infection as a public health threat by reducing new infections by 90%, and the diagnosis and treatment of recent infection should reduce ongoing transmission in key populations [2].
No prophylactic HCV vaccine is currently available [1]. Reducing transmission relies on universal precautions, harm reduction, safe sex, and vigilant surveillance after viral clearance, alongside expanded treatment of acute infection [1].
- 1 Liu CH et al. Acute hepatitis C virus infection: clinical update and remaining challenges. Clin Mol Hepatol. 2023 Jul. PMID: 36800699. doi: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0349. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36800699/
- 2 Fasano M et al. Acute Hepatitis C: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Viruses. 2024 Nov 6. PMID: 39599853. doi: 10.3390/v16111739. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39599853/
- 3 Tandan M et al. Hepatitis C Infection and Treatment among Injecting Drug Users Attending General Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Apr 18. PMID: 37107851. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20085569. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37107851/
- 4 Phyo Z et al. Intermediate hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemicity and its genotype distribution in Myanmar: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024. PMID: 39298388. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307872. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39298388/
- B17.1
- 1E50.2
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Recent related research
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