Since its discovery in 1989, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recognized as a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Hepatitis C virus is the leading cause of liver transplantation in developed countries, and the most common chronic blood borne infection in the USA. Using the most conservative estimates the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the US is estimated at 5.2 million people. That is approximately 2% of the US population. The CDC list an average of 12,000 deaths per year caused by chronic liver disease as a result of Hepatitis C Virus. Originally identified as non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH) has three common modes of transmission. These are blood to blood transfusions, sharing of injection equipment by illicit drug users and inadequately sterilized or unsterilized equipment in healthcare setting. Although less likely Hepatitis C Virus can also be spread from HCV infected child from mother, during sex with HCV infected person, sharing of personal items contaminated with blood. Human beings are the only known reservoirs for HCV. Species Hepatitis C virus is a positive stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae, genus hepacivirus, that is approximately 9.6 kb in length. There are six major genotypes or clades numbered 1 to 6 with more than 70 confirmed or provisional subtypes identified.
The gold standard for confirmation of HCV is liver biopsy making laboratory test for HCV much more practical. There are many blood tests available to detect HCV. Available assays include screening test for antibody such as enzyme immunoassay and enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay. Also available are molecular assay to detect viral RNA such as polymerase chain reaction and transcription mediated amplification. Molecular assay are available in both qualitative and quantitative. Molecular assays are also available for genotyping of Hepatitis C virus.
I will go into much more detail throughout the semester but I hope this introduction will provide a foundation for future HCV post.
Good introduction to your topic!
ReplyDeleteThis post/project is intriguing to me. I know a couple of people that have HCV, including my uncle, so I'd definitely like to learn more about it. I'll be following along and/or stalking you.
ReplyDeleteI am going to enjoy seeing and reading your future posts on HCV. All the hepatitis dieases are rather intresting and would love to know more of the research you that you find. My grandfather who recently passed away had HCV from a blood transfusin that he recieved during his quadruple heart bypass surgery some 12, 13 years ago.
ReplyDelete