Hepatitis C: a review for primary care physicians.
Primary care physicians see many of the estimated 250 000 Canadians chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Of this number, about one-third are unaware they are infected, which constitutes a large hidden epidemic. They continue to spread HCV unknowingly and cannot benefit from advances in antiviral therapy that may clear them of the virus. Many HCV-infected people remain asymptomatic, which means it is important to assess for risk factors and test patients accordingly. The third-generation enzyme immunoassay for HCV antibodies is a sensitive and specific test, although the presence of the virus can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing for HCV RNA in some circumstances. Pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin combination therapy clears the virus in about 45%-80% of patients, depending on viral genotype. Preventive strategies and counselling recommendations are also reviewed.
Wong
Tom
T
Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. tom_wong@hc-sc.gc.ca
Lee
Samuel S
SS
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans