Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 25, 2014

24.7K

Hepatitis C virus infection in Japan

K Nishioka1

  • 1Japanese Red Cross Central Blood Center, Tokyo.

Gastroenterologia Japonica
|July 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screening began in 1989 due to its link to liver cancer. Millions in Japan are infected, primarily through past blood transfusions and horizontal transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Virology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • High incidence of non-A, non-B post-transfusion hepatitis.
  • Established association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on the implementation of HCV antibody screening for blood transfusions.
  • To assess the seroepidemiological landscape of HCV infection in Japan.

Main Methods:

  • Initiation of HCV antibody screening for all blood donations starting November 1989.
  • Conducting seroepidemiological studies to determine the prevalence of HCV infection.

Main Results:

  • Significant prevalence of HCV infection identified across various liver conditions: acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Approximately 1.6 million individuals in Japan are currently HCV antibody-positive.
  • Identified major transmission routes including past horizontal blood-borne infections and blood transfusions.

Conclusions:

  • HCV poses a substantial public health challenge in Japan, with millions infected.
  • Blood transfusion and historical blood-borne transmission are key routes for HCV infection.
  • Ongoing surveillance and screening are crucial for managing HCV prevalence and preventing liver disease.

More Related Videos

Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle09:35

Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle

Published on: January 31, 2017

13.9K
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks10:28

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks

Published on: June 25, 2020

10.2K

Related Concept Videos

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Yellow Fever01:18

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...