CAUSES AND CURRENT TRENDS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION: A REVIEW

Abstract

A global principle of eliminating Viral Hepatitis by 2030 was adopted by the United Nations during the 59th World Health Assembly in May 2016. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is now a major
concern as it affects an estimated 170 million people worldwide. Nigeria is a major significant contributor to the burden of chronic viral hepatitis infection globally corresponding to above
20 million people living with viral hepatitis B and/or C in a population of 177 million individuals that are not aware and are at risk of developing chronic complications of liver cirrhosis and primary liver cell cancers. This paper therefore looked into the causes of HCV in individuals, the current trends that are used in the diagnosis of the disease and how HCV infection can be managed in patients found with the disease. It causes disease in two general ways: by infecting cells and by provoking an immune response. HCV can be transmitted through needles tick injuries, splashes/mucocutaneous exposures, saliva, sexual exposure etc. Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs and Interferon based Regimen are the current treatment used. Health system strengthening is recommended for the control of HCV in Nigeria.