Is hepatitis C hereditary?

Hepatitis C does not actually have any genetic problems, but we need to understand its causes. It is usually caused by some viral infections, as well as poor diet, long-term fatigue and taking liver-toxic drugs may all cause hepatitis C.

1. Causes

Hepatitis C virus infection is the root cause of the disease. Under the influence of external factors, such as drinking, fatigue, and long-term use of hepatotoxic drugs, the disease can be promoted. The pathological changes of hepatitis C are very similar to those of hepatitis B, mainly characterized by hepatocyte necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration. Chronic hepatitis may cause hyperplasia of fibrous tissue in the portal area, and in severe cases, pseudolobules may form, leading to cirrhosis.

2. Blood transmission

(1) Transmission through blood transfusion and blood products: Due to the window period of anti-HCV, the unstable quality of anti-HCV detection reagents, and the fact that a small number of infected people do not produce anti-HCV, it is impossible to completely screen out HCV-positive people. Large-scale blood transfusion and hemodialysis may still cause HCV infection.

(2) Transmission through broken skin and mucous membranes: This is currently the main mode of transmission. In some areas, HCV transmission due to intravenous drug use accounts for 60% to 90%. The use of non-disposable syringes and needles, dental instruments that have not been strictly sterilized, endoscopes, invasive procedures and acupuncture are also important routes of percutaneous transmission. Some traditional medical methods that may cause skin damage and blood exposure are also related to HCV transmission; sharing razors, toothbrushes, tattoos and ear piercings are also potential ways for HCV to be transmitted through blood.

3. Sexual transmission.

4. Mother-to-child transmission

The risk of anti-HCV positive mothers transmitting HCV to their newborns is 2%. If the mother is HCV RNA positive during delivery, the risk of transmission can be as high as 4% to 7%. When combined with HIV infection, the risk of transmission increases to 20%. High HCV viral load may increase the risk of transmission.

V. Other channels

It occurs in 15% to 30% of sporadic hepatitis C, and its route of transmission is unknown.