1Causative organism?
*Hepatitis C virus (Hepacivirus)
3POI:
compromised skin or mucosa
4MOT:
*person to person (contaminated fluids, blood, sti is uncommon)
*sharing items contaminated with blood
*mother to baby (during birth)
5Viability of virus outside host?
3 weeks
6Incubation period?
2-26 weeks
7Pathogenesis:
*virus enters blood stream and infects liver and other cells
*persistent viral replication and spread leads to periodic inflammation and fibrosis of the liver
8What about this increases risk for cancer?
Changes in cell signaling due to the pathogenesis (periodic inflammation due to persistent viral replication)
9What percentage experience symp?
*20% experience symp
*80% don't experience symp
10Duration of latency stage (asymptomatic)?
*months to years
11Symptoms of the acute phase?
*severe flu like symptoms (including nausea, loss of appetitie, vomiting)
*dark urine
*clay colored feces
*joint pain
*jaundice
12Complications?
*liver cirrhosis (10-20% of cases within 20 yrs)
*liver cancer (20x risk after cirrhosis)
*liver failure
13Complications of the 80% chronic infection?
*general fatigue
*depression
14Prevention?
*practice universal precautions
*avoid exposure to contaminated fluids
15Treatment:
*DAAs (direct acting antivirals)
*IFN (interferon)
*avoid alcohol consumption