Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are currently five known viruses that cause can hepatitis (Microbiology, 10e). The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person; however, it is now more commonly spread among IV drug users that share needles. Healthcare workers are also at risk for contracting HCV, but with standard precautions, the risk is low. “Prior to 1992, some people acquired the HCV infection from transfusions of blood or blood products. Since 1992, all blood products have been screened for HCV, and cases of HCV due to blood transfusion now are extremely rare. HCV can be passed from mother to unborn child. Approximately 4 out of every 100 infants born to HCV-positive mothers become infected with the virus. A small number of cases are transmitted through sexual intercourse; however, the risk of transmission of HCV from an infected individual to a non-infected spouse or sexual partner without the use of condoms over a lifetime has been estimated to be between 1% and 4%. There have also been some outbreaks of HCV when instruments exposed to blood have been re-used without appropriate disinfection.” (Microbiology, 10e)
The HCV virus measures about 50 nm in diameter; it is classified as a separate genus (Hepacivirus) within the Flaviviridae family. It is the virus that causes Hepatitis C. This family of viruses all has ribonucleic acid (RNA) as their genetic material. “All hepatitis C viruses have an outer coat or envelope and contain enzymes and proteins that allow the virus to reproduce within the cells of the body, in this case, liver cells.” There are at least six strains of the hepatitis C virus, and they all have this structure but have different genotypes. These ...
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...platelet count. Depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, anxiety and personality changes have also been noted as adverse effects of this treatment. But the most significant side effect of ribavirin is hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia due to destruction of red blood cells. Other side effects with ribavirin include cough, and some shortness of breath. There also may be some rashes. There is also the risk of birth defects. In spite of these reported side effects, the virus can be completely eradicated in many cases following treatment.
Works Cited
World Health Organization website, (retrieved November 16, 2011)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/hepatitis
Hepatitis C Support Project, (retrieved November 27, 2011)
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Inf%20and%20Rib.pdf
Tortora, Funke, Case, (10th edition), Microbiology
Two of the most significant bloodborne pathogens are HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Some of the other bloodborne pathogens include Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Syphilis. These are less significant and not as life threatening as the two listed above.
The virus is primarily spherical shaped and roughly 200nm in size, surrounded by a host-cell derived membrane. Its genome is minus-sense single-stranded RNA 16-18 kb in length. It contains matrix protein inside the envelope, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, fusion protein, nucleocapsid protein, and L and P proteins to form the RNA polymerase. The host-cell receptors on the outside are hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. The virus is allowed to enter the cell when the hemagglutinin/ neuraminidase glycoproteins fuse with the sialic acid on the surface of the host cell, and the capsid enters the cytoplasm. The infected cells express the fusion protein from the virus, and this links the host cells together to create syncitia.
Pathogens are a type of microorganism that spreads viral and bacterial diseases. These diseases when present in human blood and body fluids are known as blood borne pathogens, and can spread from one person to another. (Worcester polytechnic institute) The most serious types of blood borne diseases are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver damage; and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The blood borne pathogens can be spread when the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and amniotic fluid) of an infected individual comes into contact with mucous membranes or an open sore or cut on the skin of another person. Mucus membranes are located in the eyes, nose, mouth, and other areas as well. ("Bloodborne pathogens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia") Two of the most common ways that pathogens are transmitted is through the exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse or by sharing infected IV needles. (Worcester polytechnic institute)
Hepatitis B is a DNA viral infection that causes damage and inflammation to the liver. It was first discovered in 1965 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg. The HBV virus is very contagious and is even thought to be the most serious form of viral hepatitis and the most common viral infection on Earth. “HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV.” (Green, 2002, pg. 7) The virus can survive for about one week outside the body on a dry surface. According to Green (2002, pg. 7), “One in twenty Americans has been infected with the virus at some point in their lives.” Between the ages of 15-39 is when 75% of new HBV infections occur, according to Green (2002, pg.8).
as 3.5 million people are believed to be carriers which means that they have the
Hepatitis In modern society when a person gets sick with the flu or a cold they will usually go about their normal routine with the exception of a sneeze or a cough throughout the day. Sometimes things can be more than what they appear to be. The symptoms start out like the flu with coughing, fever, aches, and vomiting. However, the disease gradually worsens with symptoms of extreme weakness and excruciating abdominal pain. By then it is usually too late when the person finds out that their liver is failing and that there disease is caused by one of the most contagious, dangerous and deadliest of viruses. These viruses that were initially concealed by flu like symptoms are now known collectively as the disease of Hepatitis. The disease of Hepatitis is actually by six different types of viral infections, namely, Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G. Hepatitis descries the destructive affect of the viral invasion of the body and liver by six and separate viruses. Each type of viral infection varies from one to another in degree of severity. The names of the viruses are in alphabetical order corresponding to their discovery. There is also a non-viral Hepatitis which is caused by substance. One rumor that has spread about hepatitis is that a person can only contract Hepatitis if associated with HIV or AIDS. This is not true! Any one can become infected with Hepatitis. Unfortunately this is about all most people know of Hepatitis. They need to know the full horror of which the virus is capable. The first of the Hepatitis viral infection to be discovered is Hepatitis A. Hep. A is the mild mannered virus compared to the other viruses. It has the symptoms of influenza, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weakening of body, but it does have some differences such as jaundice (a yellowing pigmentation of the skin and whites of the eyes) and urine appears to be a darker color. Jaundice is caused by an abundance of bilirubon which has not been removed from the blood system due to the infected liver. Hep. A does not have any special medications or antibiotics that can be used to treat or prevent this unpleasant virus. Some ways of avoiding this viral infection include washing the hands very carefully and not eating food or drink of others. People living in the same house or having close contact should clean the area very thoroughly.
...ons of HBV and HCV end up with cirrhosis which develops to hepatocellular carcinoma therefore they should be vaccinated (LeMone et al, p719).
Properties of the virus: The hepatitis A virus is a non - enveloped 27 nano meters in size, virus. It is characterized as a RNA based virus. Inactivation of viral activity can be achieved by heating to 100 °C for five minutes, and by contact with formaldehyde and chlorine or by ultraviolet irradiation. The virus is present in the liver, bile, stool and blood during the illness.
The genotype of HCV was identified from the hypervariable region of envelope E2 gene of the virus because HVR1 can be used both to identify
Hepatitis is a serious illness that most commonly affects adults over the age of 40 years old. It can occur in teenagers and children too, but this is generally more rare. Because it stems from a highly-contagious virus, it is crucial that all people who are at risk for contracting it, or who might already have it, read the following information about what the types of hepatitis are, what symptoms it causes, and how it can be prevented.
1- Hepatitis is caused by noninfectious agents such as immune, alcoholic and metabolic. Also, it is caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Viral infection such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, & E. All of the hepatitis viruses are RNAs expect hepatitis B. Transmission of Hepatitis B, C, & D is via blood and cause acute and chronic hepatitis. Transmission of Hepatitis A and E is via the fecal-oral route and not cause chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis can progress to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, there are no good markers to detect HCC. Only AFP is for detection cancer, and it is a poor marker. However, risk groups are subjected to surveillance every six months by ultrasound, and the cancer diagnosis is by biopsy and imaging.
They then took DNA and RNA from the infected blood of chimpanzees and put it into bacterial cells. The bacterial cells that made proteins that bound antibodies from infected blood but not from uninfected blood showed that only infected blood was making antibodies toward this protein. Researchers made sure that the protein was not of bacterial or human origin to prove that it is most likely a viral protein. In this way they found Hepatitis C. Researchers then tested all of the blood that was positive for hepatitis and not positive for Hepatitis A or B and found that almost all of it was positive for Hepatitis C. With this new way of testing in place, this has decreased the rates of Hepatitis C in the U.S. ("2000 Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection or liver damage. The liver is a vital organ with a wide range of functions that help nearly every other organ of the human body; without it we can’t survive. Many illnesses and conditions result in inflammation of the liver, drinking, for example, but mainly certain viruses cause most hepatitis in people. There are several types of hepatitis including type A, B, C, D, and E. Some types will cause no major problems, while other can be chronic, consequently, causing scarring of the liver, loss of liver function, and even liver cancer in some cases.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) one of the numerous leading health complications which has shown chronic and limited hepatitis. Research shows that about 3.5 million people were diagnosed with HBV and out of that 3.5 million, 1 million of them died due to infection of the disease and other symptoms. When it comes to treating HBV, it is difficult because there has been no effective antiviral therapies. With recent accomplishments finding agents such as, indirect or direct therapy, these treatments have considerable side effects and are expensive. So with the housefly, Musca domestica, it is being researched to see whether if it has any anti HBV qualities.
The purpose of this reflective journal is to determine the educational needs that the clinic needs in order to have 100 percent compliance with Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment. HCV is currently affecting millions of individuals who have no idea they have the disease. With a multi-disciplinary team who is dedicated to their jobs and successful in monitoring patients currently on treatment, the relapse rate is minimal and medication compliance will increase. In this journal, I will be discussing the issue of medication compliance, how the Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the use of multidisciplinary teams could be a benefit to the individuals pending or currently on HCV