True about HCV include all except:
**Core Concept**
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that primarily targets the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and potential progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV infection is a significant global health concern, with an estimated 71 million people infected worldwide.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer options are statements about HCV, and we need to identify the one that is not true. HCV is known to cause chronic infection in most individuals, with a high rate of progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, including needle sharing, unsanitary tattooing, and blood transfusions before universal screening was implemented.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** HCV is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral route.
* This is incorrect because HCV is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, not the fecal-oral route, which is more common for hepatitis A virus.
**Option B:** HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
* This is correct because HCV infection is a significant risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
**Option C:** HCV has a high rate of spontaneous clearance.
* This is incorrect because HCV has a high rate of chronic infection, with only a small percentage of individuals experiencing spontaneous clearance of the virus.
**Option D:** HCV is primarily transmitted through vertical transmission from mother to child.
* This is incorrect because while vertical transmission from mother to child can occur, it is not the primary mode of transmission for HCV.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The primary mode of transmission for HCV is through blood-to-blood contact, and individuals with a history of injection drug use, tattoos, or blood transfusions before universal screening are at increased risk of infection.
**Correct Answer: A. HCV is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral route.**