HCV: epidemiology, modes of transmission and prevention of spread

Approximately 3% of the world’s population has been infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which represents about 170 million chronic carriers at risk of developing serious complications. Following the introduction of screening of blood donors for infection the risk of transmitting HCV by blood products is presently at 1/200 000 units distributed. Intravenous (i.v.) drug users are currently the main risk group with a prevalence rate of about 80% and a yearly incidence varying between 4 and 6%. Vertical and sexual transmissions have also been implicated but data are limited and sometimes controversial. The source of infection for the 30% of cases without an identifiable risk factor remains to be clarified. Prevention of spread includes detailed information of persons at risk of being infected, screening of high-risk populations, strengthening of syringe exchanges among i.v. drug users and strict application of disinfection procedures for all invasive medical equipment.