Introduction

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that is very small in size (50nm). In 1989, it was identified and it was discovered that it has more than 100 subtypes, and 6 major genotypes. It is classified under the Flaviviridae family and Hepacavirus genus (Hepatitis C Virus, 2010). It is known to cause liver inflammation. It is a communicable disease that is often transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids (What is the Hepatitis C Virus, n. d.).