This infection of the liver is caused by the hepatitis C virus
What Are the Symptoms?
Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. But you could notice these:
- Jaundice (a condition that causes yellow eyes and skin, as well as dark urine)
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is one of several viruses that can cause hepatitis. It is unrelated to the other common hepatitis viruses (for example, hepatitis A or hepatitis B). Hepatitis C is a member of the Flaviviridae family of viruses. Other members of this family of viruses include those that cause yellow fever and dengue fever.
There are at least six different genotypes (strains) of the virus which have different genetic profiles. Genotype 1 is the most common strain of hepatitis C. Even within a single genotype there may be some variations. Genotyping is used to guide treatment because some viral genotypes respond better to some therapies than to others.