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Hepatitis C Virus

 Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C is liver disease caused by hepatitis C Virus, can lead to serious liver damage.

There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C Virus.

Infection mainly transmitted by; 

Blood transfusion

Contact with infected blood or blood products.

Structure

It is single stranded RNA (ssRNA).

It is 50-60 nm in size.

Surrounded by bilayer envelope carrying E protein spikes.

Source and Modes of Transmission

1. Blood and Blood Product

Transmitted by blood transfusion

Contact infected blood and blood products

Transmitted by needlestick injuries

Use of contaminated needle and syringes

Transplant recipients 

2. Horizontal Transmission 

For example; person to person 

3. Vertical transmission 

For example; mother to their baby

Pathogenesis

Chronic illness

Chronic hepatitis

Cirrhosis of liver

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Incubation period is 15-16 days.

Laboratory Diagnosis

Specimen collection; serum sample

ELISA test; detection of HCV antibodies, identification of HCV RNA in blood.

Prophylaxis

No specific active or passive immunizing agent is available.

Only general prophylaxis, such as blood or blood product screening can be done.

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