PMID: 7513276Mar 1, 1994Paper

Chronic hepatitis C

Disease-a-month : DM
D S Sherlock

Abstract

Formerly the diagnosis of acute and chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis was made by the exclusion of other causes. However, in 1989 cloning of an antigenic component of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was reported. This led to first- and second-generation tests for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) in serum. HCV has been associated with acute and chronic posttransfusion and sporadic non-A, non-B hepatitis, and with hepatocellular carcinoma. Viral HCV RNA can be estimated with the polymerase chain reaction test, but this technically difficult test is not generally available. The entire viral genome has been sequenced. The envelope region shows considerable variation, and mutant HCV infections are being described already. There are geographic variations in the prevalence of anti-HCV, but usually about 0.5% to 1% of healthy blood donors test positive. Parenteral exposure to blood, especially by transfusion or drug abuse, remains a certain means of acquiring HCV infection. The method by which millions without parenteral risk factors acquire HCV remains uncertain. Vertical transmission and sexual and family spread occur only rarely. Body secretions are free of the virus. The mode of transmission may become clarified when tests for viral HCV as oppo...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 20, 1998·Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research : the Official Journal of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research·M J TongK Sayadzadeh

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis formerly called lupoid hepatitis, is a chronic, autoimmune disease of the liver that occurs when the body's immune system attacks liver cells causing the liver to be inflamed. Discover the latest research on autoimmune hepatitis here.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur as a result of an attack by the immune system on the body’s own tissues resulting in damage and dysfunction. There are different types of autoimmune diseases, in which there is a complex and unknown interaction between genetics and the environment. Discover the latest research on autoimmune diseases here.

Antivirals

Antivirals are medications that are used specifically for treating viral infections. Discover the latest research on antivirals here.

Antivirals (ASM)

Antivirals are medications that are used specifically for treating viral infections. Discover the latest research on antivirals here.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular

Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a malignant cancer in liver epithelial cells. Discover the latest research on Hepatocellular Carcinoma here.

© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved