​ Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Hepatitis C (Hepatitis C Virus)

​ Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Hepatitis C (Hepatitis C Virus) 
A member of the flavivirus family, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the causative agent of hepatitis C. Exposure to blood and blood products is the means by which the HCV virus is spread parenterally. Users of intravenous drugs and recipients of organ transplants are at a significant risk for contracting the human cytomegalovirus (HCV). It is less likely for HCV to be transmitted through sexual contact or through the mother to her child. The human cytomegalovirus (HCV) is found all over the world, and the most prevalent reason for a liver transplant is cirrhosis that is associated with HCV.

Chronic and acute hepatitis are both caused by HCV, and persons who are infected with HCV are more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma-like symptoms. It is possible for primary HCV infections to be asymptomatic or to result in a moderate sickness with vague symptoms and jaundice, which is quite uncommon. Around seventy-five percent of HCV infections result in the development of chronic hepatitis, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and an increased likelihood of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocytes are infected with HCV, which causes liver damage that is mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These cells contribute to both inflammation and the clearance of the virus. The hepatocellular carcinoma that is associated with HCV infections is indirect (that is, the virus does not contain an oncogene), and it is most likely caused by compensatory hepatocyte proliferation as a result of liver injury. This proliferation provides a pool of proliferating cells that are vulnerable to genetic alterations. It is possible for HCV to undergo high-frequency mutations, which result in differences in the main envelope protein and makes it possible for the virus to evade antibodies that neutralize it.

 The detection of anti-HCV antibodies and RT-PCR for identification of virion RNA are the two methods that are most frequently used to diagnose HCV.
 In order to treat chronic HCV, a combination of interferon-alpha and ribavirin is typically used. HCV does not have a vaccination available. For the purpose of preventing HCV infection, screening blood products and avoiding the use of intravenous drugs are both particularly crucial.