Hepatits C

*Hepatitis C virus (Hepacivirus)

Humans

compromised skin or mucosa

*person to person (contaminated fluids, blood, sti is uncommon)
*sharing items contaminated with blood
*mother to baby (during birth)

3 weeks

2-26 weeks

*virus enters blood stream and infects liver and other cells
*persistent viral replication and spread leads to periodic inflammation and fibrosis of the liver

Changes in cell signaling due to the pathogenesis (periodic inflammation due to persistent viral replication)

*20% experience symp
*80% don't experience symp

*months to years

*severe flu like symptoms (including nausea, loss of appetitie, vomiting)
*dark urine
*clay colored feces
*joint pain
*jaundice

*liver cirrhosis (10-20% of cases within 20 yrs)
*liver cancer (20x risk after cirrhosis)
*liver failure

*general fatigue
*depression

*practice universal precautions
*avoid exposure to contaminated fluids

*DAAs (direct acting antivirals)
*IFN (interferon)
*avoid alcohol consumption