Community-based transmission of hepatitis C in India: a systematic review

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading community health problem globally. The virus infects approximately 3% of the world population, placing approximately 170 million people at risk for developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that there are 10-24 million populations living with active HCV infection in India and seroprevalence of HCV among healthy population estimated, 0.09 to 2.02% in India. HCV is the Principle cause of chronic necroinflammatory and neoplastic liver disease in the developing countries of Asia and Africa; it’s emerging rapidly as an infection warranting attention. According to the WHO, red cross and red crescent societies, two-thirds of developing countries have not followed screening of donated blood and blood products for the presence of HCV.