Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus was discovered in 1989 and was initially referred to as a "non-A-non-B" hepatitis virus. The virus is a single-stranded, enveloped, positive sense RNA virus in the flavivirus family.Hepatitis C infects an estimated 170 million persons worldwide and 4 million persons in the United States. Co-infection with HIV is common and rates among HIV positive populations are higher.
Currently, serological tests are available to check for infection. In addition, PCR can be used for more sensitivity and to elucidate a genotype for the infection. There are 6 major known genotypes.
The infection is spread by blood exchange and, less commonly, sexual contact. Before serological tests became available, it was often caused by the use of medical products derived from blood and by blood transfusion.
Although it can be spread sexually, and vertically (from mother to child), transmission by these routes is not as likely as with hepatitis B. In most developed countries, it is usually seen primarily in intravenous drug users.
In most cases, acute hepatitis C infection has no symptoms and becomes chronic, and can cause long term damage to the liver, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Severe liver damage may not develop for 10-40 years after infection.
Treatment is mainly based on interferon, combined with other drugs; though this action does not guarantee results. Currently, the preferred treatment is pegylated interferon together with ribavirin. Studies have shown sustained cure rates of 75% or better in people with genotypes 2 or 3 HCV (which is easier to treat) and about 50% in those with genotype 1.
It is well known that alcohol makes HCV virus proliferate faster, and makes interferon treatment less effective.
Though hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C have similar names (because they all cause liver disease) the viruses themselves are quite different. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Alternative therapies
Several "alternative therapies" purport to reduce the liver's duties, rather than treat the virus itself, thereby slowing the course of the disease or keeping the quality of life of the person. As an example, extract of silybum marianum and licorice are sold for their HCV related effects. The first claims to provide some generic help to the ephatic functions and the second one to have a mild antiviral effect and rises blood pressure. These are not approved remedies and have not demonstrated their efficacy in clinical trials.
See also: sexually transmitted disease
Viral Hepatitis C Frequently Asked Questions - cdc.gov
External Links
National Hepatitis C Prison Coalition