Hepatitis C, Causes and Risk Factors

Oct 18, 2011 | CenExel JBR, Clinical Trial

Hepatitis C, Causes and Risk Factors

Oct 18, 2011CenExel JBR, Clinical Trial

Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). About 1.5 of the U.S. population is infected with HCV. The following are most at risk:

  • Patients who have been on  long-term kidney dialysis
  • Healthcare workers or those who have  regular contact with blood
  • Those who have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C (this is a less common means of infection, but the risk is higher for those who have many sex partners, already have a sexually transmitted disease, or are infected with HIV)
  • Someone who has shared a needle with  someone who has hepatitis C
  • Received a blood transfusion before July 1992
  • Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
  • Was tattooed or had accupuncture with contaminated instruments (most  licensed, commercial tattoo facilities carry a low risk)
  • A less common risk is sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with someone who has hepatitis C
  • Born to a mother who was infected with HCV,  1 of 20 babies with infected mothers are infected. (Less common than with hepatitis B)

Hepatitis C has an acute and chronic form. Most people who are infected with the virus develop chronic hepatitis C.

If you suffer from Hepatitis C you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial at JBR Clinical Research. Visit our website to see if you qualify.

JeanBrownResearch is a Salt Lake City based clinical trial research organization, specializing in pain management and diabetic studies, among other types of clinical trials. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.