Hepatitis C
What is Hepatitis C?
Five different viruses (termed A, B, C, D, and E) cause viral hepatitis. Four other viruses that are believed to cause hepatitis have been identified, but not much is known about them. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounts for the great majority of what was referred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis. The hepatitis C virus was identified in 1989, and in 1990 a hepatits C antibody test (anti-HCV) became available to identify individuals exposed to HCV.
How will I know if I have Hepatitis C?
In general, individuals infected with HCV are often identified because they are found to have elevated liver enzymes on a routine blood test or because a hepatitis C antibody is found to be positive at the time of blood donation. In 1992, a more specific test for anti-HCV became available and eliminated some of the false positive reactions that were previously troublesome. In general, elevated liver enzymes and a positive antibody test for HCV (anti-HCV) means that an individual has chronic hepatitis C. The anti-HCV test will remain positive after recovery form acute hepatitis C. Despite new, more sophisticated diagnostic tests, a small percentage of patients still may have false positive hepatitis C antibody reactions. In these two cases, liver enzymes are typically normal. A small number of patients (less than 10%) may recover from acute hepatitis C, but their anti-HCV test will remain positive. It sis estimated that up to 85% of the people infected with the hepatitis C virus each year will develop chronic infection. Currently, there are approximately 4 million Americans chronically infected with HCV.
Is there a treatment for chronic Hepatitis C?
The drugs, recombinant interferon alfa-2b and recombinant interferon alfa-2a, have been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The approved length of therapy for recombinant interferon alfa-2b is 18 to 24 months. Patients treated for this length of time experienced an initial response rate of 47%. Among the initial responders, approximately 24% (of the initial group) had a sustained, long-lasting response.
The hope is that improvement or normalization of liver tests and reduced inflammation in the liver will slow or interrupt the development of progressive liver disease. However, the true impact of interferon treatment on the long-term course of chronic hepatitis C and survival is unknown.
This information was adapted from American Liver foundation brochure. If you would like more information about Athlete's foot, please call Hartshorn Health Service at 491-7121.