Methods of transmission and features of the course of hepatitis c virus infection in children: medical and social aspects

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global problem. According to WHO, 150-200 million people globally have hepatitis C infection. Even though HCV infection morbidity rate in children is relatively low in comparison with the adult population, approximately 5 million children in the world have active HCV. There is a number of differences between HCV infection in adults and in children. However, the data pertaining to this issue is controversial. The aim: Research, analysis and synthesis of information from contemporary literature on transmission of infection and characteristics of the course of HCV infection in children. Materials and methods: Analysis and synthesis of information from contemporary literature on transmission of infection and characteristics of the course of HCV infection in children were conducted. Conclusions: Information from literature of the latest years on peculiarities of infection, disease course and complications of HCV infection in children was analyzed and summarized in this article.