Naslov
Epidemiological features and specificities of hepatitis C virus infection

Autori
Miškulin, Maja

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
1st International monothematic conference on viral hepatitis C (IMC-HCV-2014) / Smolić, Martina ; Včev, Aleksandar ; Wu, George Y - Osijek : University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, 2014

Skup
1st International monothematic conference on viral hepatitis C (IMC-HCV-2014)

Mjesto i datum
Opatija, Hrvatska, 11.09.2014. - 13.09.2014

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Pozvano predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
hepatitis C virus; HCV infection; epidemiology; world; Europe; Croatia

Sažetak
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health issue. According to recent estimates, more than 185 million people around the world have been infected with HCV, of whom 350 000 die each year. The prevalence of hepatitis C infection varies substantially around the world. When countries are grouped into Global Burden of Disease regions, the estimated prevalence of HCV infection is highest in Central and East Asia and in the North Africa/Middle East regions. Most people infected with the virus are unaware of their infection and, for many who have been diagnosed, treatment remains unavailable. One third of those who become chronically infected are predicted to develop liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Certain groups are at higher risk of HCV infection. The relative importance of risk factors for HCV infection varies substantially, depending on the geographical region and population studied. Hepatitis C virus infection is strongly associated with health inequity. In low- and middle-income countries, infection with HCV is frequently associated with unsafe injection practices and unscreened (or inadequately screened) blood transfusions. In middle- and high-income countries, most HCV infections occur among people who use unsterile equipment to inject drugs and contaminated drug solutions. Prevention of HCV infection depends upon reducing the risk of exposure to the virus. This is challenging because of the various routes of transmission and the different populations that are affected. Identification and treatment of chronic HCV infection has also a prevention benefit, as persons who are cured of HCV cannot transmit the virus to others.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

POVEZANOST RADA