Discovery of Hepatitis C virus

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was discovered in the late 1980s through research conducted after the identification of Hepatitis A and B. Scientists were trying to understand what caused chronic hepatitis cases that were not linked to those known viruses. Using advanced techniques, they isolated a new virus in the blood of infected patients. In 1989, the virus was identified and named Hepatitis C. This discovery was crucial for developing blood tests, improving blood safety, and advancing treatments, ultimately changing the way hepatitis is diagnosed and managed globally.