Hepatitis C

“C is for Cylent”

Taxonomy:

Family: Flaviviridae

single stranded positive RNA, monopartite

enveloped and icosahedral

OFFENSES

Attacks:

Silent infection

Chronic carrier state most common

Chronic hepatitis leading to liver failure

Major cause of posttransfusion hepatitis

Blood borne

Some sexual transmission

Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma may occur

Outcome:

liver failure, most common reason for liver transplantation

Speed:

incubation period of 6-12 weeks

development of chronic hepatitis in 10-18 years

DEFENSES

Vaccines:

none, and may not be that effective because patients could be reinfected with wild-type virus

Behavioral:

Avoid needle sharing

Screen all donated blood

Avoid unprotected sex

Treatment:

combination therapy of interferon alpha and ribavirin

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