Hepatitis C

Hey everyone! We have previously discussed how Hepatitis A & B affect our body. Today, let's find out more about Hepatitis C!

Firstly, what is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to inflammation of the liver due to  infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

A little insight into the Hepatitis B virus:

• It is a small, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus.
• The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a member of the Flavivirida family.
• There are six major genotypes of the HCV.

How does liver damage occur in Hepatitis C infection?

1) The presence of HCV in the liver triggers the human immune system, which leads to inflammation.

2) Over time, prolonged inflammation may cause scarring. Extensive scarring in the liver is called cirrhosis.

3) When the liver becomes cirrhotic, it fails to perform its normal functions, and this leads to serious complications and even death. Cirrhotic livers also are more prone to become cancerous.

Here is a short summary on how the Hepatitis C Virus enters the target cells aka the liver!

How do people contract Hepatitis C?

Infection can be spread through:

• Blood transfusions before July 1992.
• Direct contact with blood in health care settings.
• Sexual contact with an infected person.
• Tattoo or acupuncture with unclean needles or instruments.
• Shared needles during drug use.
• Shared personal items (e.g toothbrushes and nail clippers) with an infected person.
• From mother to child during childbirth.
• Kidney dialysis.

How does it affect people living with this disease?

Most people who were recently infected with acute Hepatitis C do not have symptoms. If they do, symptoms include a decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, muscle or joint pains, and weight loss
About 1 in 10 have jaundice that will eventually go away.

Of people who get infected with Hpatitis C, 85% will develop a chronic infection. Usually there are no symptoms. If the infection has been present for many years, the liver may be permanently scarred. This is called cirrhosis.
In many cases, there may be no symptoms of the disease until cirrhosis has developed.

Liver cirrhosis may lead to portal hypertension, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, easy bruising or bleeding, enlarged veins in the stomach and esophagus, jaundice, and  hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatitis C is also a primary cause of liver cancer, and the need for liver transplants.

How can we protect ourselves from Hepatitis C infection? 

• Avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible.
• Health care workers should follow precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids. 
• Do not inject illicit drugs, and do not share needles with anyone.
• Be careful when getting tattoos and body piercings.
• People who have sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviors.

What are the current prevention methods or cures for Hepatitis C?

As of 2011^[update], no vaccine protects against contracting hepatitis C. However, a number are under development and some have shown encouraging results.

There are no current cures. However, there are treatments available that slow down the virus. Those who develop cirrhosis or liver failure may need a liver transplant.

In conclusion, Hepatitis C is a fairly serious disease as it may cause cirrhosis or even liver cancer. It is especially scary as there is no vaccine yet! Thus, exercise caution when in situations where you might contract the Hepatitis C Virus!

  

Signing off,

Illaisha!

Credits to the following websites!

• Retrieved from:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001329/

1. Ghany MG, Strader DB, Thomas DL, Seeff LB. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Diagnosis, management, and treatment of hepatitis C: an update. Hepatology. 2009;49:1335-1374.
2. Jou JH, Muir AJ. In the clinic. Hepatitis C. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148:ITC6-1-ITC6-16.
3. O'Leary JG, Davis GL. Hepatitis C. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 79.
4. Rosen HR. Clinical practice. Chronic hepatitis C infection.N Engl J Med. 2011 Jun 23;364(25):2429-38.

Review Date: 10/16/2011.

Reviewed by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California.

• Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/hepatitis_c/page3.htm