Which hepatitis type is associated with up to 85% chronic infection and high liver cancer risk?

• A. Hepatitis A
• B. Hepatitis B
• C. Hepatitis C
• D. Hepatitis D

Answer: (C)

Hepatitis C is the type most associated with long-lasting, chronic infection and a high risk of liver cancer. In most people who become infected, the virus establishes a chronic infection that persists for many years, leading to ongoing liver inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis. The long duration of liver damage in chronic infection greatly increases the likelihood of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. By contrast, hepatitis A is typically an acute, self-limited illness with no chronic phase, and hepatitis B can become chronic in a portion of cases (especially when acquired at a young age) but does not do so as consistently as hepatitis C. Hepatitis D requires hepatitis B coinfection and tends to worsen disease rather than forming the same chronic cancer risk profile seen with hepatitis C.