Overview: HCV is an enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Hepacivirus that primarily infects hepatocytes. HCV can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis and is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

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Transmission: Bloodborne – HCV is transmitted primarily through exposure to infected blood, for example through sharing contaminated needles, unsafe medical procedures or unscreened blood products. Sexual and mother-to-child transmission can occur but are less common.

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Disease: Acute HCV infection is frequently asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they can include fatigue, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice. Approximately 70–85% of infections become chronic, potentially leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Around 47 million people are estimated to be living with chronic HCV infection worldwide, with approximately 0.9 million new infections per year. Yearly, an estimated 239,000 people die from HCV-related disease, mainly from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

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Risk group: HCV is classified in Germany as Risk Group 3**. This indicates that infection risk is limited because transmission through the airborne route does not occur.

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​​Imaging sites within Germany:

Heidelberg University Medical Faculty - CIID/ IDIP​

Paul Ehrlich Institut - Langen​​

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Additional resources: 

(Work in progress)