New figures from the National Center in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research in Sydney show that more than 98 percent of the 200,000 Australians living with hepatitis C did not receive treatment last year. Just 3,539 Australians with the infection accessed treatment in 2007.

"In contrast, around 65 percent of the estimated 16,692 Australians living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment in 2007," said Helen Tyrrell, the head of Hepatitis Australia. "Treatment isn't for everyone, but people living with hepatitis C need to be aware effective treatment is available so they can make an informed decision about what is right for them."

In some cases, hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. If left untreated, the virus causes severe liver damage that can lead to a long wait for a liver transplant and no other treatment options, said Tyrrell. But in up to 80 percent of cases, the blood-borne virus can be cured.

Over the past five years, the number of people with severe liver disease as a result of untreated hepatitis C has increased from 35,900 to 47,600.

"We have a situation where the barriers to hepatitis C treatment have not been adequately addressed," said Tyrrell. Officials at prisons, where a high number of inmates often are infected with the virus, and general practitioners need to be educated about treatment and referral options for patients, she said.

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