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contaminated with blood such as hepatitis c is a viral disease that is very important that primarily affects the liver recently estimated that approximately 1 2 of the population o Read This contaminated with blood such as Hepatitis C is a viral disease that is very important that primarily affects the liver. Recently estimated that approximately 1-2% of the population of the United States are affected by this disease. It is one of the most common causes of chronic liver condition which causes hardening and liver cancer. Not surprisingly hepatitis C remains one of the most common indication for liver transplant operation in the United States.

In general the hepatitis C virus is transmitted through blood products. As a result hepatitis C is transmitted from items contaminated with blood such as needles and IV drugs. However this virus may not be transmitted through casual contact or from food. Moreover unlike hepatitis B hepatitis C is rare because of sexual contact. Unfortunately there is no effective form of vaccination for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a chronic disease in which the infection lasts longer in duration of at least 6 months. In general patients with chronic hepatitis C infection are not aware of their disease because early symptoms associated with the disease is rare. However there remains a virus infection the person may begin to experience chronic fatigue (fatigue). Other people may complain of anorexia nausea and even weight loss in rare cases. As the disease progresses there may be a finding as yellowing of the skin (jaundice) vomiting blood (hematemesis) fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and level of consciousness and confusion (encephalopathy). However even more worrisome complication of chronic hepatitis C is the occurrence of cirrhosis or hardening of the liver and liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma).

Hepatitis C is diagnosed by a blood test. The first step in the diagnosis including hepatitis C antibodies (ELISA-based) and liver function tests (ALT / AST). If antibodies are detected hepatitis C virus RNA tests will confirm active infection. For confirmed cases of hepatitis C virus RNA which often required additional tests including genotype alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) a serum marker for liver cancer and liver ultrasound. Finally a liver biopsy can be obtained to fully characterize the overall condition of the liver disease and to exclude the presence of fibrosis (cirrhosis).

Treatment options for hepatitis C that is growing rapidly. Currently available treatments include ribavirin PEG-interferon and protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir like. For patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C the combination of three ribavirin interferon and protease inhibitors are recommended for 6-12 months. They can expect a cure rate of about 70%. On the other hand patients with genotype 2 and 3 were treated for 6 months with a dual regimen of interferon and ribavirin. They have a higher cure rate of 80-90%.

Similarly an article on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a very serious condition. For individuals with this disease it is important for them to undergo regular check-ups including periodic liver function tests determination of AFP and sonograms. Also recommended to avoid alcohol and drugs that are not necessary. For individuals with active viral replication treatment with anti-viral drugs recommended to prevent potential complications including cirrhosis and hepatoma.

contaminated with blood such as hepatitis c is a viral disease that is very important that primarily affects the liver recently estimated that approximately 1 2 of the population o

contaminated with blood such as