Chronic hepatitis C

慢性丙型肝炎

Evidence-backed informationEN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 6/7 applicable sectionsUpdated Sep 3, 2026

Chronic hepatitis C represents a persistent viral infection of the liver that develops in the majority of initial cases following acute exposure ^[1]. The condition frequently progresses without noticeable symptoms, creating a substantial public health challenge due to widespread undiagnosed populations ^[1]. Despite often remaining clinically silent for extended periods, prolonged viral presence significantly increases the likelihood of severe hepatic complications over time ^[1]. Effective population-level management relies on recognizing the high rate of chronic progression and addressing the large reservoir of unrecognized infections ^[1].

Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile7

Definition

Chronic hepatitis C is persistent hepatitis C virus infection following initial infection; a review estimated that 60% to 85% of infected people progress to chronic infection. ^[2]

Clinical features

The majority of individuals with chronic infection remain entirely asymptomatic or report nonspecific complaints such as persistent fatigue and depressive symptoms ^[1]. When clinical manifestations do occur, they typically emerge two to twelve weeks following initial viral exposure ^[1]. Acute presentations may include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice, spanning from mild self-limiting illness to severe conditions requiring hospitalization ^[1].

Epidemiology

Chronic hepatitis C constitutes a major public health burden largely because a substantial portion of infected individuals remain completely unaware of their status ^[1]. Following initial exposure, fewer than half of patients naturally clear the virus within six months, leading to widespread lifelong persistence across affected populations ^[1]. This high rate of silent chronicity facilitates continuous community circulation and complicates standard surveillance tracking and case identification efforts ^[1].

Transmission

Hepatitis C virus infection is generally associated with percutaneous exposure. Sexual and perinatal transmission may also occur. ^[3]

Risk groups

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Evidence-backed detail for this section is not available yet.

Prevention

New hepatitis C virus infections may be reduced through education concerning blood-borne infections. ^[3]

References

1US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C Basics | Hepatitis C | CDC [Internet]. cited 3 Sept 2026.Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/about/
2Mohsen A et al. Hepatitis C (chronic). BMJ Clin Evid. 2010 Feb 3. PMID: 21718581.PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21718581/
3Thomas DL et al. Hepatitis C epidemiology. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2000. PMID: 10592654. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-59605-6_2.PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10592654/
4Wikipedia contributors. Hepatitis C - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 20 May 2026.Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_C
5Inzaule S et al. Prevalence of Drug Resistance Associated Substitutions in Persons With Chronic Hepatitis C Infection and Virological Failure Following Initial or Re-treatment With Pan-genotypic Direct-Acting Antivirals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis. 2024 Dec 17. PMID: 39361017. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciae431.PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39361017/
6Viral Hepatitis in Pregnancy: ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 6. Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Sep 1. PMID: 37590986. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005300.PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37590986/