Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3
pubmed:dateCreated
1996-6-13
pubmed:abstractText
Cloning of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was reported in 1989. By now, the entire viral genome has been sequence. It consists of a single-stranded positive RNA, with relationship to the Flaviviridae. The envelope region shows considerable variability. 6 major genotypes have been described. HCV is transmitted via the parenteral route, mainly blood, rarely by sexual contact. Hepatitis C occurs worldwide and is found in 0.01 to 1.5% of blood donors. The immune response is unable to clear the virus in 80% of infected subjects, probably because of the hypervariability. In the acute phase the hepatitis has only mild symptoms and the chronic hepatitis usually also runs a mild course. After many years liver cirrhosis may develop in 20% of cases; in these subjects there is a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis can be made by detection of anti-HCV antibodies in the blood and an immunoblot confirmation test. The viral genome can be detected by the HCV-RNA (PCR) test. Immunisation against hepatitis C is not possible yet. Therapy with interferon results in an initial response in 45% and a sustained response in < 20% of the patients. Interferon therapy reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
pubmed:language
dut
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jan
pubmed:issn
0028-2162
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
20
pubmed:volume
140
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
119-24
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1996
pubmed:articleTitle
[Hepatitis C, awakening of a giant].
pubmed:affiliation
Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Gastro-enterologie, Utrecht.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, English Abstract, Review