Which hepatitis virus is most commonly associated with chronic liver disease?

Which hepatitis virus is most commonly associated with chronic liver disease?

• A. Hepatitis A
• B. Hepatitis B
• C. Hepatitis C
• D. Hepatitis D

Answer: (C)

Hepatitis C is most commonly associated with chronic liver disease due to its ability to persist in the body long-term. After an initial infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), many individuals may develop chronic infection, which can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma over time. It is noteworthy that approximately 70-85% of those infected with HCV will develop chronic liver disease if left untreated. In contrast, Hepatitis A typically results in an acute infection that does not progress to a chronic state. Hepatitis B can also lead to chronic liver disease, but the prevalence of chronicity is lower than that of Hepatitis C, particularly in adults; about 5-10% of adults with Hepatitis B develop a chronic infection. Hepatitis D can only occur in those who are infected with Hepatitis B, and thus it is less prevalent and usually considered in conjunction with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hence, Hepatitis C is identified as the virus most commonly linked with chronic liver disease, making it a significant public health concern requiring ongoing monitoring and management.

Hepatitis C is most commonly associated with chronic liver disease due to its ability to persist in the body long-term. After an initial infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), many individuals may develop chronic infection, which can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma over time. It is noteworthy that approximately 70-85% of those infected with HCV will develop chronic liver disease if left untreated.

In contrast, Hepatitis A typically results in an acute infection that does not progress to a chronic state. Hepatitis B can also lead to chronic liver disease, but the prevalence of chronicity is lower than that of Hepatitis C, particularly in adults; about 5-10% of adults with Hepatitis B develop a chronic infection. Hepatitis D can only occur in those who are infected with Hepatitis B, and thus it is less prevalent and usually considered in conjunction with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Hence, Hepatitis C is identified as the virus most commonly linked with chronic liver disease, making it a significant public health concern requiring ongoing monitoring and management.