Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person. Hepatitis C causes liver inflammation and damage, including cirrhosis. Cirrhosis prevents the liver from working properly. 

There are no vaccines currently available for hepatitis C, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. Speak with your health care provider about prevention. 

Symptoms

Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. Those who develop symptoms may have fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. 

Treatment(s)

We provide on-site laboratory testing and imaging (Fibroscan®) to accurately diagnose your hepatitis C infection. Our on-site pharmacists work quickly to get approval from each patient’s health insurance plan when antiviral medication is necessary. We also provide interpreter services, if needed. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists from infectious diseases and addiction medicine provide personalized and coordinated care for your hepatitis C infection and liver disease. 


Programs + Services


Hepatology

Tufts Center for Liver Disease specializes in treating liver disease, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
More information about programs and services

Doctors + Care Team

Fredric D. Gordon, MD

Fredric D. Gordon, MD

Accepting New Patients

Title(s): Transplant Hepatologist and Professor of Medicine
Department(s): Transplant Surgery, Transplant Hepatology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-4886
Fax #: 617-636-1003

Liver Transplant, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Portal Hypertension, Living Liver Transplantation, Hemochromatosis

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Raffi Karagozian, MD

Raffi Karagozian, MD

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Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Online Scheduling Available

Title(s): Hepatologist; Program Director, Gastroenterology Fellowship Program; Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Gastroenterology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-5883
Fax #: 617-636-4505

Abnormal liver tests, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Hepatitis B/C, liver transplant, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, benign liver lesions, liver cancer, hemochromatosis, and drug induced liver injury.

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Alysse Wurcel, MD, MS

Alysse Wurcel, MD, MS

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Accepting New Patients

LGBTQ+ Health

Virtual Appointments Available

Title(s): Attending Physician; Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Appt. Phone: 617-636-7010
Fax #: 617-636-7100

Infectious diseases, HIV, hepatitis C, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, sexually transmitted diseases

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Research + Clinical Trials


Unlocking Access to HCV Testing in Jails: Stakeholder Engagement is the Key: Qualitative Research Portion (Part I)

With the advent of well-tolerated highly-curative treatment, eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from the United States is possible. Despite guidelines, high HCV prevalence (18-85%, depending on the state) and modeling demonstrating cost-effectiveness, HCV care in corrections’ systems is infrequent. Racial and ethnic minorities comprise the majority (>60%) of HCV cases in US correctional settings. Overlaid on health disparities imposed by incarceration, there are racial disparities in corrections’ settings as evidenced by higher rates of HCV-related morbidity and mortality in incarcerated Non-Whites than Whites.

Increasing access to HCV testing during incarceration with linkage to HCV treatment in the community following release is a feasible approach to decrease health disparities. Recognizing the gaps in knowledge about HCV testing and opportunities for improvement, I have partnered with key stakeholders along the HCV care pathway to evaluate the current state of HCV testing in MA jails. My goal is to interview inmates and other stakeholders (including people who work and people in the community who help deliver care to people who are in jail) to betterat the jail understand barriers and facilitators to testing and treatment in the jails. Examples of important stakeholders include anyone who makes decisions about Hep C testing and treatment for people in jail. This included sheriffs, clinicians, public health specialists, pharmacists, industry representatives.

 


More information about research and clinical trials