Bangalore: The number of Indians with HIV is estimated at 5.1 million; twice that number, around 10.9 million could be suffering from Hepatitis C, a serious infection of the liver.

But, World Hepatitis Day, that fell on October 1, went almost unnoticed even by the medical professionals.

Dinesh Kini, consultant gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital, says: "Hepatitis C is caused by a virus of that name and leads to inflammation and scarring of the liver, called cirrhosis. Anyone who has a blood transfusion is at risk as are healthcare workers who have accidentally been jabbed with an injection needle, splashed with blood of those intravenously using illegal drugs. People getting tattoos done and long term haemodialysis patients are also at risk."

Symptoms

The only symptom in the early stages is constant fatigue; people with the infection can have it for years without realising what it is. At the late stage, they develop serious liver disease and sometimes liver cancer.

"A simple blood test can detect the virus. Combination of an anti viral drug with other medication is a treatment that can slow down or stop the disease. The duration of treatment depends on the sub type of the virus and can vary from 24 to 48 weeks. Now treatment is so effective that 90 per cent of patients can be rid of the virus," Dr. Kini says.

Awareness

According to G.L. Telang, Managing Director, Roche Scientific Co. India, "With Hepatitis C affecting people at an alarming rate, more awareness about the disease is needed. New generation therapies are more effective than older ones."

The Hepatitis C virus was first identified in 1989.

In most countries, transmission by blood products has been reduced to almost nil due to screening for the virus; the practice is now come to our blood banks too. Today, the most common route of transmission is the use of non-sterilised needles and syringes.

Hepatitis B has been a more serious health concern in India and the number of carriers of this virus is estimated to be over 4 crore. Fifteen per cent of these people may develop an additional and more aggressive form known as Hepatitis B "e" antigen positivity (HbeAG). Hepatitis B is one of the principal causes of liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer, medical experts say. Fortunately, vaccines against Hepatitis B infection are now available.

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