Definition

Noun: 1. A form of viral hepatitis: Hepatitis C is a specific, serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is clinically similar to hepatitis B but is caused by a different virus. 2. A bloodborne disease: It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected human blood, often via means that bypass the body's natural barriers.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C after a routine blood screening.
  • New antiviral medications have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C.
  • Public health campaigns focus on preventing the transmission of hepatitis C.

Advanced Usage

• "Hepatitis C virus (HCV)": This is the full name of the specific virus that causes the disease.
  • The hepatitis C virus has several distinct genotypes.
• "Acute/Chronic hepatitis C": These terms describe the stage and duration of the infection. 'Acute' refers to the first six months, while 'Chronic' refers to a long-lasting infection.
  • Most people with acute hepatitis C develop a chronic infection.

Variants and Related Words

• HCV: A common abbreviation for both the disease (Hepatitis C) and the virus (Hepatitis C Virus).
  • The test confirmed the presence of HCV antibodies.
• Hepatitis: The general medical term for inflammation of the liver, which can have many causes (viruses, alcohol, toxins). Hepatitis C is one type.
  • There are several forms of viral hepatitis, including A, B, and C.

Synonyms

• HCV infection: A more clinical synonym.
  • The study focused on patients with HCV infection.

Related Phrases

• Hepatitis C transmission: Refers to how the virus is spread.
  • Needle sharing is a major route for hepatitis C transmission.
• Hepatitis C screening: Refers to testing people for the infection.
  • Increased hepatitis C screening is recommended for certain at-risk groups.

Noun

1. a viral hepatitis clinically indistinguishable from hepatitis B but caused by a single-stranded RNA virus; usually transmitted by parenteral means (as injection of an illicit drug or blood transfusion or exposure to blood or blood products)