HEPATITIS C (HCV)
Hepatitis c is a single stranded RNA virus (hepacivirus) with properties similar to those of flaviviruses. Seven major genotypes of HCV have been identified. Over 50% of cases are transmitted by injection drug use, and both reinfection and superinfection of HCV are common in people who actively inject drugs. Body piercing, tattoos, and hemodialysis are risk factors.
Having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of HCV infection, and HIV coinfection, unprotected receptive anal intercourse with ejaculation, and sex while high on methamphetamine increase the risk of HCV transmission in men who have sex with men. Transmission via breastfeeding has not been documented. In the developing world, unsafe medical practices led to a substantial number of cases of HCV infection.
SYMPTOMS
The incubation period of hepatitis C averages 6-7 weeks, and clinical illness is often mild, usually asymptomatic, and characterised by waxing and waning aminotransferase elevations and high rate (greater than 80%) of chronic hepatitis.
PREVENTION
Testing donated blood for HCV has helped reduce the risk of transfusion-associated hepatitis C about 1 case per 2 million units in 2011. Screening of all pregnant women for HCV infection has been recommended by professional societies. A majority of cases of HCV infection are acquired by injection drug use, public health officials have recommended avoidance of shared needles access to needle exchange programs for injection drug users, As yet, there is no vaccine for HCV. Vaccination against HAV (after prescreening for prior immunity) and HBV is recommended for patients with hepatitis C, just as vaccination against HAV is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis-B.
TREATMENT
Treatment with Peginterferon regimen for 6 to 24 weeks was shown appreciably decrease the risk of chronic hepatitis in patients whom serum HCV RNA levels has failed to clears spontaneously after three months.
Course of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for six week duration show a prevention of chronic hepatitis in patients of acute genotype 1 hepatitis C.
For Informational purpose only. Consult your Physician for advice.
