Hepatitis C Prevention and Control: Implications for the Obstetrician/Gynaecologist

The hepatitis C virus, first isolated in 1989, is now prevalent throughout the world, and is estimated to affect approximately three percent of the entire population. The most efficient mode of transmission is through percutaneous exposure to contaminated blood. In a majority of infected patients, chronic hepatitis will ensue, potentially leading to the rare complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to review the natural history of the disease, and discuss screening and preventive strategies as they apply to women.