Hepacivirus C

Hepacivirus C (Hepatitis C Virus, HCV)

Hepacivirus C, better known as the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the liver. This RNA virus is part of the Flaviviridae family and can lead to both acute and chronic hepatitis, with the latter having the potential to cause liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer over time.

Overview

Electron micrograph of Hepatitis C virus particles.

HCV is a significant public health challenge globally, with millions of people infected. The virus is known for its ability to evolve rapidly, leading to the existence of multiple genotypes and subtypes which can influence the disease's progression and treatment response.

Transmission

Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily through blood-to-blood contact. Common modes of transmission include:

• Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs
• Unsafe medical practices with inadequate sterilization
• Transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products
• From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
• Sharing personal items contaminated with blood, such as razors or toothbrushes

Diseases and Complications

While a small percentage of individuals can clear the infection spontaneously without significant health problems, most people develop chronic hepatitis C, which can lead to:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
• Liver failure, necessitating a liver transplant in severe cases

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of HCV infection involves:

• Screening for antibodies against HCV using enzyme immunoassays
• Confirmatory nucleic acid tests (NATs) for HCV RNA to confirm active infection
• Genotyping tests to determine the specific HCV genotype, which can guide treatment decisions

Treatment

The treatment landscape for Hepatitis C has transformed with the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which can cure the infection in most cases. Treatment decisions are based on the genotype of the virus, the extent of liver damage, and the presence of co-infections.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Avoiding the sharing of needles and other injecting equipment
• Ensuring safe and sterile medical procedures
• Screening blood and organ donations
• Education and harm reduction programs for at-risk populations

Global Impact

Hepatitis C remains a global health concern, with efforts focusing on increasing access to testing and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of HCV is highest.

See Also

• Hepatitis
• Liver cirrhosis
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)

References

• Placeholder for references. Use the format:

External Links

• [Placeholder for link to World Health Organization (WHO) information on Hepatitis C]
• [Placeholder for link to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hepatitis C facts]

This article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it. Editing is available only to registered and verified users. WikiMD is a comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.