Hepatitis C Virus Infection

This topic covers Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), a major cause of chronic liver disease and a mandatory test for blood donors in Zambia. Tertiary students will learn about HCV virology, its genotypes, natural history leading to chronic infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The module details transmission routes, with emphasis on blood-borne transmission, and covers laboratory diagnosis through antibody detection (EIA) and confirmatory molecular testing (PCR). It also addresses the implications of HIV co-infection. For students in biomedical and laboratory science programs in Zambia, understanding HCV is essential for conducting donor screening, interpreting serological and molecular test results, and understanding the long-term healthcare burden of chronic hepatitis. This knowledge is vital for roles in the ZNBTS, virology units, and public health surveillance, ensuring the safety of the blood supply and contributing to national disease control strategies. Mastery of HCV diagnostics and epidemiology is a key learning outcome assessed in relevant tertiary-level courses.