Hepatitis C

Question 1

how many people will become chronically infected

Answer 1

80%

Question 2

some people will develop

Answer 2

liver disease/ cirrhosis

• decompensated liver disease
• hepatocellular carcinoma
• transplant
• death

Question 3

pathogen

Answer 3

RNA

Non enveloped icosahedral

Question 4

Patient symptoms

Answer 4

• 80% have no symptoms (acute or chronic)
• 20% have vague symptoms
  
  • Fatigue
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain

Question 6

Patient risk factors and mechanism of infection

Answer 6

• People who inject drugs >90% of those with Hep C in UK
• IV heroin/crack/metamphetamines
• Sexual contact <1% but higher if HIV co-infected
• Vertical transmission
• Blood transfusion prior to 1991
• Needlestick injuries to HCW

Question 7

=vlood test

Answer 7

• Serology- anti-Hep C antibody only
• Remains positive forever- even after clearance/ cure
  
  • Not protective- can get re-infected
• Viral PCR
  
  • If positive confirms on-going/ chronic infection

Question 8

can it be cured

Answer 8

YESSSSSS :) :) ;)

Question 9

treatment

Answer 9

• 8-12 weeks
• 90% chance of cure
• £10,000- £60,000 per course
• Can get re-infected!

Question 10

prophylaxis

Answer 10

No vaccine

Question 11

outcome of infection

Answer 11

chronic illness

Question 12

summary of the differences between HIV, Hep B and Hep C

Answer 12