Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Understanding associations between serious mental illness and hepatitis C virus among veterans: a national
Seth Himelhoch1, John F McCarthy, Dara Ganoczy
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Services Research, 773 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. shimelho@psych.umaryland.edu
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in the United States and is known to be transmitted via pathways associated with substance use (e.g., injection drug use and intranasal drug use).
Objective:
Although individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) have a high prevalence of HCV, the nature of this relationship is unclear and is the subject of this investigation.
Method:
The authors determined unadjusted and adjusted recorded prevalence of HCV among a national sample of veterans with and without SMI.
Results:
HCV was recorded in 8.1% of patients with bipolar disorder, 7.1% of patients with schizophrenia, and 2.5% of patients without SMI. Substance use increased HCV risk among SMI patients; patients with bipolar disorder had greater risk than patients with schizophrenia.
Conclusion:
Efforts to address HCV among patients with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Amebiasis