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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