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.
Hepatitis C
Description of virus that causes the disease.
HCV virus, 40-60 nanometres in diameterVirus enveloped, no spikes
Single stranded RNA virus
Belongs to Hepacvirus family (effects only mammals)
Viral Specificity:
Effects liver tissueSymptoms 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 bloodSexual contact (STD) rare.
Drug use-(common)
90% Unscreened blood transfusions-(very common)
4% Mother to newborn-(very rare)
Treatment and Prevention:
No vaccinationHepatitis 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. BradleyJuly 28 world Hepatitis Day to encourage awareness of Hepatitis around the world.
Resources accessed:
www.wikipedia.comhttp://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/chronichepc/
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hepc-eng.php