Which characteristic is true about Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is primarily known for its potential to lead to chronic infection. After initial exposure to the virus, a substantial proportion of individuals—approximately 55% to 85%—will develop a chronic infection, which can result in long-term health issues such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This high rate of chronicity distinguishes Hepatitis C from other types of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, where the potential for chronic infection is significantly lower.

In terms of transmission, Hepatitis C is mainly spread through contact with infected blood, which is different from the fecal-oral route seen in some other viral hepatitides like Hepatitis A and E. Furthermore, there is currently no vaccine available for Hepatitis C, which further emphasizes the importance of understanding its high chance of becoming chronic when compared to other types of viral hepatitis. Therefore, identifying the characteristic of Hepatitis C as more likely to result in chronic infection is key to addressing its public health implications and managing patient treatment effectively.