Hepatitis+C+(Cory+H)

= Hepatitis C =

**Description of virus that causes the disease.**
HCV virus, 40-60 nanometres in diameter Virus enveloped, no spikes Single stranded RNA virus Belongs to Hepacvirus family (effects only mammals)



**Viral Specificity:**
Effects liver tissue Symptoms of liver show after scarring Scarring -> Cirrhosis-(due to chronic Hep C) Cirrhosis to decreased liver function Leads to liver failure -> no filtration of toxins -> easily poisoned.

**Symptoms and progression of the disease:**
Incubation period 6 months. Acute unaware till 6 months. Symptoms after incubation Cold/flulike symptoms, increased loss of senses, decreased appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, itching, jaundice, (yellow discoloration) joint pains sleep disruption, nausea, and depression. Hepatic encephalopathy, by failing filtration Liver symptoms absent till scarred liver Acute->Chronic Hep C (unless in case of close to brain Blood-Blood contact.) Chronic->Cirrhosis->Liver failure

**Common Methods of Transmission:**
Blood to blood Sexual contact (STD) rare. Drug use-(common) 90% Unscreened blood transfusions-(very common) 4% Mother to newborn-(very rare)



**Treatment and Prevention:**
No vaccination Hepatitis B vaccination used for treatment. 11 genotypes varying treatment 1a, 1b, 2 more stubborn (peginterferon treated) 3, 2/3 more reactive to Alpha interferon treatment. (Ribavirin always used) Treatment to Cirrhosis effected not recommended.

**Miscellaneous:**
Originally called Non-Hep A by Harvey J Alter in 1970's, Hep B renamed by D.W. Bradley July 28 world Hepatitis Day to encourage awareness of Hepatitis around the world.

**Resources accessed:**
www.wikipedia.com http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/chronichepc/ http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hepc-eng.php