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The Hepatitis C Viruses pp 25–41Cite as

Hepatitis C Epidemiology

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Part of the book series: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology ((CT MICROBIOLOGY,volume 242))

Abstract

More than 170 million individuals in virtually every area of the world have hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV is most often transmitted by percutaneous exposure to blood. However, the predominant modes of transmission have changed over time and differ between and even within countries. Before economic development occurs, HCV may be transmitted through folk and traditional medical procedures and other percutaneous practices such as injection drug use, acupuncture, tattooing, and sharing razors. In economically developed countries, most new HCV infections are related to drug use, though blood transfused prior to HCY antibody screening has been an important source of infection. HCV may also be transmitted between sexual partners and from a mother to her infant, though this is uncommon.

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  1. The Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Hygiene and Public Health, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 1147, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    D. L. Thomas

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  1. Division of Digestive Diseases and Genetics — Winship Cancer Center, Emory University School of Medicine, 1639 Pierce Drive, Rm 2101 WMRB, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Curt H. Hagedorn M.D.

  2. Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 600 South Euclid Avenue, 63110, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Charles M. Rice M.D.

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Thomas, D.L. (2000). Hepatitis C Epidemiology. In: Hagedorn, C.H., Rice, C.M. (eds) The Hepatitis C Viruses. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, vol 242. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-59605-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-59605-6_2

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