How does hepatitis C differ from hepatitis A?

Hepatitis C is characterized by a significant tendency to lead to chronic infection, a feature that distinguishes it from hepatitis A. Unlike hepatitis A, which is typically an acute infection with a self-limiting course and does not usually lead to long-term complications, hepatitis C can persist in the body and lead to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. This chronic carrier state occurs in approximately 55% to 85% of those infected with hepatitis C, making it a major public health concern.

In contrast, hepatitis A is generally transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water, rather than through blood, which further emphasizes the differences in transmission and the resultant chronicity of the diseases. Thus, the high incidence of chronic infection in hepatitis C is a critical factor that confirms the choice made.