Hepatitis C Flashcards
1
Q
how many people will become chronically infected
A
80%
2
Q
some people will develop
A
liver disease/ cirrhosis
- decompensated liver disease
- hepatocellular carcinoma
- transplant
- death
3
Q
pathogen
A
RNA
Non enveloped icosahedral
4
Q
Patient symptoms
A
- 80% have no symptoms (acute or chronic)
- 20% have vague symptoms
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
5
Q
A
6
Q
Patient risk factors and mechanism of infection
A
- 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
7
Q
=vlood test
A
- 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
8
Q
can it be cured
A
YESSSSSS :) :) ;)
9
Q
treatment
A
- 8-12 weeks
- 90% chance of cure
- £10,000- £60,000 per course
- Can get re-infected!
10
Q
prophylaxis
A
No vaccine
11
Q
outcome of infection
A
chronic illness
12
Q
summary of the differences between HIV, Hep B and Hep C
A
