... HCV antibodies.[20] In the Dionysos study from Italy, residents between the ages of 12 and 25 years had a chronicity rate of 56%, compared with 87% for those above the age of 25 years.[21] The ... of HCV infection, clinicians may identify the patients at risk for HCV-related complications, and offer treatments to prevent further morbidity and mortality. 2. Routes of Transmission The ... cirrhosis, HCC, and death. The liver biopsy is the gold standard for the grading and staging of chronic hepatitis C. The activity of liver disease or grade, is gauged by the number of mononuclear...