Case 55: Hepatitis C

Question 1

what is the clinical presentation of HepC?

Answer 1

A 48-year-old man presented to an internist for a physical exam, since he had not
been to a physician for many years. He was asymptomatic, but routine chemistry panel
showed elevated transaminases

He denied IV drug use, but on further questioning, he did recall that he received a
blood transfusion 25 years before, after an appendectomy

PE is totally normal and so are vitals

all labs are normal too except AST and ALT are elevated (slightly enlarged liver)

Question 2

which virus family is HepC?

Answer 2

flaviviridae

Question 3

what are the characteristics of HepC genome?

Answer 3

enveloped (+) icosahedral ssRNA

Question 4

how many HCV genotypes are there?

Answer 4

6

90 subtypes

genotype 1 is most common in US

Question 5

how is HepC transmitted?

Answer 5

parenteral = IV drug use, needle stick, tattooing, transfusion, transplants, sex, perinatal

Question 6

how do you diagnose HepC?

Answer 6

HCVAb

or detection of HCV RNA

Question 7

how do you treat HepC?

Answer 7

supportive care

interferon and ribavirin are two drugs licensed for the
treatment of chronic HCV infection

Question 8

how do you prevent HepC?

Answer 8

no vaccine

just avoid risk factors