- Hepatitis C virus infection is still the most common transfusion transmitted infection seen. Prior to 1990 and the screening of the blood supply for hepatitis C, transfusion associated infection was a major contributor to population statistics for HCV infection.
- Hepatitis C virus subtype varies worldwide. In Europe, types 1, 2 and 3 are the predominant genotypes with types 1a and 3a in the north-western countries and 1b in Hungary, Germany, Russia and Turkey. In North America, types 1a and 1b have been found. In Japan and Taiwan, types 1b, 2a and 2b predominate; type 6a in Hong Kong and Macau. Type 4 is found in Zaire, Central and North Africa; 5a in South Africa.