What is Hepatitis c virus?
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a bloodborne virus that primarily targets liver cells and is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. It is estimated that globally 170 million people are affected by HCV, with chronic infections occurring in 70% of cases. HCV has the ability to establish persistent infections and can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. The virus can also cause a wide range of extrahepatic manifestations, including metabolic imbalances. However, recent advancements in direct-acting antiviral agents have led to high cure rates in chronic HCV infections, with treatment-induced cure rates exceeding 95%. Efforts are being made to extend access to treatment to populations that are traditionally difficult to reach, such as persons who inject drugs. The World Health Organization aims to achieve global eradication of HCV by 2030 .
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| Papers (5) | Insight |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, RNA virus that primarily targets liver cells and causes chronic infections in 70% of cases. | |
1 Citations | The paper does not provide a specific definition or explanation of what Hepatitis C virus is. |
| The paper is about Hepatitis C virus, a major cause of liver disease worldwide. It is transmitted through parenteral routes, such as injection drug use and inadequate sterilization of medical equipment. The virus can become persistent in most infected individuals, but some are able to clear the virus with effective immune responses. Treatment with antiviral drugs can lead to high cure rates. | |
| Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a bloodborne pathogen that chronically affects approximately 2.4 million Americans. It is the most common bloodborne pathogen in the United States. | |
| Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that causes liver disease and can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. |
Related Questions
How is HCV spread?4 answersHCV is spread through both cell-free and cell-to-cell transmission modes, which act synergistically to enhance the spread of infection. Sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), is a significant route of HCV transmission, especially in HIV-positive MSM and those on pre-exposure prophylaxis. Risk factors for transmission include high-risk sexual behavior, network characteristics, and co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections. The presence of recently acquired HCV infections (RAHC) is mainly found in HIV-coinfected MSM with internationally connected transmission networks. HCV can spread to naive cells using two distinct entry mechanisms: cell-free entry and direct cell-to-cell transmission. Cell-to-cell transmission is the main route of viral spread for HCV strains exhibiting resistance to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Blocking cell-cell transmission can prevent the emergence of drug resistance and lead to the rapid elimination of the virus.
What is Hepatitis?5 answersHepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by various infectious and non-infectious agents. Viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, is responsible for more than 50% of hepatitis cases worldwide. Each virus belongs to a separate family and causes a specific type of hepatitis. Hepatitis B, C, and D are bloodborne and often lead to chronic infection, while hepatitis A and E are food or waterborne and typically cause acute hepatitis. The clinical presentation of hepatitis varies, ranging from asymptomatic or flu-like symptoms to acute liver failure or chronic liver disease. Hepatitis B and C are particularly known for causing liver cirrhosis and carry a significant disease burden globally. Screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of hepatitis have become more efficient with the help of serological biomarkers and viral nucleic acid amplification tests. Vaccinations have also played a crucial role in reducing infection rates. However, challenges remain in the management and eradication of hepatitis.
What is the Risk factord of hepatitis C virus ?4 answersHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has multiple risk factors. These include unsafe injection drug use, unsterile medical procedures, blood transfusion before 1992, injection or intranasal drug use, unregulated tattoos, and incarceration. Other risk factors include a history of previous surgery, blood transfusion, dental treatment, injections (IM and IV), barber shave, tattooing, ear piercing, and family history of Hepatitis C. HCV infection is also associated with systemic manifestations such as endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and immunological alterations, which are recognized as cardiovascular risk factors. It is important to screen at-risk individuals, especially those born between 1945 and 1965, as acute and early chronic HCV are often asymptomatic. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection.
What is the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Egypt?5 answersHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent in Egypt, with the country having the highest known prevalence of HCV in the world. The infection poses a significant health challenge, leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of HCV is higher in rural areas compared to cities. Risk factors for HCV transmission in Egypt include regular visits to dental clinics, previous surgical operations, former blood transfusion, intrafamilial HCV infection, and a history of bilharzial infection. The high prevalence of HCV in Egypt has been attributed to past schistosomiasis treatment with unsafe injections. It is crucial to increase public awareness about the modes of transmission and risk factors of HCV infection, especially among family members of HCV patients. Strict adherence to proper medical care precautions by healthcare practitioners is also necessary. Screening campaigns and early identification of HCV infection are essential for initiating timely treatment and reducing the burden of the disease.
What is hepatitis?5 answersHepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by various infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as non-infectious agents like alcohol and metabolic diseases. There are several types of hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and the newly described G virus. Hepatitis B and C viruses are the most common causes of liver infections, which can lead to chronic infections, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis can also be caused by autoimmune disorders, toxins, medicines, opioids, and alcohol. The diagnosis of viral hepatitis can be done through various methods such as physical exams, blood tests, imaging investigations, and viral serology panels. Understanding the complex interactions between hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and the immune components involved in hepatitis is crucial for developing effective treatment options.
What is c ?5 answersC++ is a standardized, general-purpose, object-oriented, compiled programming language that evolved from the C programming language. It was created by Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension to C.