HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) – MORPHOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, CLINICAL FEATURES & LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS

INTRODUCTION TO HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)

⇒ HCV was identified during the research for ‘non-A non-B’ viruses by experimental infection in the chimpanzees.

⇒ HCV is the most common cause of post-transfusion hepatitis in the developed countries.

⇒ Infection due to Hepatitis C virus is seen only in humans.

MORPHOLOGY OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)

⇒ HCV belongs to Hepacivirus genus of Flaviviridae

⇒ Size – 50-60 nm in diameter

⇒ HCV is a Spherical & Enveloped Virus, carrying Glycoprotein spikes.

⇒ Genetic material – Linear ssRNA

TRANSMISSION ROUTE OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)

⇒ Parenteral route – by contaminated syringes & needles, transfusion of blood & blood products.

⇒ Sexual transmission is uncommon, vertical transmission from mother to fetus may take place.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF TYPE C HEPATITIS

⇒ Incubation period – 15 – 160 days with a mean of 50 days.

⇒ Acute illness is usually mild, jaundice is less common.

⇒ Chronic illness by HCV is clinically most important as it is common & causes cirrhosis and Hepatocellular carcinoma.

LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)

⇒ Detection of HCV antibodies by ELISA.

⇒ Confirmation of the positive results obtained by ELISA is done by using recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA).

⇒ Viral genome detection by PCR & by Immunofluorescence Assay.

⇒ Culture techniques have not been established for HCV.

PROPHYLAXIS OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) INFECTION

⇒ Screening of blood or blood products.

⇒ Avoid the use of unsterile needles, syringes & other materials.

⇒ No specific active or passive immunizing agents are available.

TREATMENT OF TYPE C HEPATITIS

⇒ Treatment with interferon alpha, either alone or in combination with other drugs like Ribavirin is found to be useful.

SAHIL BATRA

Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.