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Why is hepatitis C dangerous for others? How dangerous are hepatitis B and C for others? General symptoms of hepatitis

A diagnosis of hepatitis C is perceived by many as a death sentence, but this is a misconception. Fortunately for millions, the disease is curable. Modern antiviral drugs help save 95% of infected patients, however, there is limited access to diagnosis and treatment.

What is hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease. When neglected, it also damages the thyroid and pancreas, nervous system, and kidneys. ICD10 code B17.1, B 18.2.

WHO considers the situation as a “silent epidemic”; 90% of patients do not even suspect that they are carriers of the infection. The number of people infected on the planet is approaching 150 million. Of these, 350 thousand die annually. According to official statistics, the number of new infections is 3-4 million per year. In 2015, only 20% of those infected knew about their diagnosis and only 7% began treatment. In 60% of cases, a chronic form develops, the consequences of which are cirrhosis of the liver or hepatocellular carcinoma.

The problem is global in scope and is causing an increase in mortality in the world. In some countries, awareness of hepatitis is raised through educational programs. But without increased efforts, it is impossible to provide adequate medical care to all those in need.

Video: Hepatitis C: virus, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or in the English interpretation (HCV) is a spherical formation with single-stranded RNA inside, covered with a protein shell. Has sizes from 30 to 60 nm. In dried blood it remains active for 4-5 days.

If confirmed, you will have to commit to treatment for 6 months or even a year. The duration of therapy is influenced by the quality of diagnostic procedures. The prevalence of hepatitis C everywhere is the reason for the lack of vaccines against HCV (the search of scientists in this area continues).

The disease is included in the list of socially significant infections that reduce the working capacity of active members of society. These are mostly young people who are not sufficiently aware of hepatitis C and how it is transmitted, but are massively interested in tattooing and piercing. In Russia, patients are exempt from conscription into the army. After recovery, the risk of re-infection remains, since the immune system cannot find the “key” to different subtypes of the pathogen.

How is it transmitted from person to person?

The most likely method of infection is through blood., bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Mostly occurs when injecting drugs. Hepatitis C is transmitted:

  • Through breast milk (only if nipples are bleeding).
  • During unprotected sexual contact (3-5%).
  • During blood transfusion, intravenous injections with non-sterile needles. Also rare, especially after screening tests for HCV in donor blood were introduced.
  • When performing dental procedures, cosmetic procedures, during which accidental bleeding is possible.
  • When using shared shaving equipment.
  • Infection of the fetus during embryonic development (rare).

It is impossible to become infected with hepatitis:

  • By airborne droplets.
  • Through objects of common use (as well as water, saliva, with a kiss, through dishes, a handshake).
  • In every fifth case, the route of infection cannot be determined.

Hepatitis C can occur in parallel with glomerulonephritis, porphyria cutanea tarda, essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (damage to small vessels). 20% of alcoholics experience symptoms of HCV infection. The mechanism of this association is unclear.

About 15-45% of infected people get rid of HCV without any treatment. Every sixth person develops a chronic form, which in 30% of cases over 20 years can degenerate into cirrhosis of the liver.

Symptoms and first signs of hepatitis C

Incubation lasts about 26 weeks. Serious changes in the body appear too late. The disease, called the “gentle killer,” develops unnoticed. Its main target is the liver. Signs of the disease include:

  • Insomnia.
  • Brokenness.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Pain in the joints.
  • Yellowness of mucous membranes and skin.
  • Nausea.
  • Heaviness in the liver area.

Nonspecific symptoms of hepatitis manifest themselves in the form of asthenia, decreased intellectual abilities, and causeless fatigue.

Video: How is Hepatitis C transmitted?

Forms of the disease

There are acute and chronic hepatitis C. The first is characterized by an asymptomatic course. It is detected accidentally using markers that remain in the blood for up to six months. The situation can develop in different directions:

  • Every fifth person recovers completely and independently.
  • In 20%, a variant in the form of inactive chronic hepatitis C, which is not laboratory confirmed, quietly develops.

The lion's share of patients (60%) has a form with all the manifestations of the affected liver.

Stages

There are 4 stages in the development of hepatitis C:

  1. Latent(asymptomatic).
  2. Acute with pronounced symptoms: fever, itchy skin, nausea, aching joints, headache.
  3. Chronic with undulating course and lasting for decades. At this stage, the virus is easily neutralized, if, of course, it has been detected.
  4. Final, in which the liver stops removing toxins from the body, which causes poisoning, first of all, of the brain, as well as confusion and mental disorders.

It is possible to develop type II diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, stone formation in the bile ducts, and hypertension.

How long do people live with hepatitis C?

Over 10-30 years of colonization of the body, it manages to seriously harm a person and causes irreversible changes in the liver. The problem is relevant for young people, who over time may face fatal consequences.

The infected person's quality of life suffers due to disruption of the main function of hepatocytes - neutralization of toxic metabolites, especially after drinking alcohol and fatty foods. No less dangerous are stagnation in the bloodstream caused by a decrease in filtration processes.

A person infected with HCV may die due to a trail of pathologies affecting the respiratory system, urination, and cardiovascular system.

The final chord in the development of hepatitis C is liver damage (cirrhosis), thickening of capillaries, and the formation of large vessels. Modern medicine is powerless against irreversible processes in the most important human gland. Compaction of the parenchyma leads to ascites, the threat of bleeding.

Accurate diagnosis of the disease

  • Study of medical history.
  • Examination to detect yellowness of the skin, swelling in the legs, and an enlarged abdomen.
  • Biochemistry and general blood test.
  • Coagulogram.
  • Ultrasound of the abdominal organs with Doppler ultrasound for detailed visualization of the liver.
  • Puncture of its parenchyma with further study of damage affecting hepatocytes.
  • Assessment of the degree of fibrosis.
  • Detection of HCV markers.

Also carried out:

  • Albumin content test. When its level is below 35 g/l, the doctor judges the presence of HCV, the development of cirrhosis or cancer. High levels of bilirubin and the ALT enzyme not only confirm the inflammatory process in hepatocytes, but also give an idea of ​​its stage.
  • Serological screening for HCV antibodies. When they are confirmed, the presence of RNA virions is revealed, since every third infected person is cured independently, thanks to the immune system.

Additional information is obtained during a liver biopsy. Patients over 40 years of age are advised to undergo examination of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Hepatitis C treatment

A thorough diagnosis provides a complete picture of the genotype of the virion, the load it places on the patient’s body, as well as information about the condition of the liver. The main thing is to seek medical help in time, before the symptoms of hepatitis become threatening in the form of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

An effective treatment regimen helps to exclude secondary diseases and consists of a number of areas:

  • Antivirus program.
  • Liver support.
  • Strengthening the immune system.
  • Special diet.
  • A combination of rest and physical activity.

Duration of treatment - minimum 48 weeks, cost from 3 to 8 thousand. e. Carried out under the supervision of a hepatologist. When liver failure develops, a decision is made to transplant an organ, but the process of getting rid of HCV continues after that.

Video: Elena Malysheva about a new treatment method

Antiviral therapy

The greatest effect in the fight against virions is achieved with the combined use of ribavirin and interferon-alpha. Due to allergies and other contraindications, their separate use is also allowed.

The course of treatment is long - about a year, adjusted by a doctor. Side effects of the drugs appear within 2-3 days after taking antiviral compounds:

  • General malaise.
  • Pain in joints and muscles.
  • Increased temperature up to 38-39 °C.
  • Dry skin.
  • Losing weight.
  • Hair loss.
  • Depression.
  • Chills and flu-like symptoms.

After 4 weeks, the body adapts to interferon and gradually all clinical manifestations disappear on their own. After 4 months, the number of blood platelets and leukocytes may decrease. If the indicators are too unfavorable, the drug should be discontinued for some time until the blood count is completely restored. Complications such as hemorrhagic syndrome and bacterial infection are possible.

Drugs directly affecting HCV


Treatment standards for hepatitis C change frequently. The importance of Ribavirin and pegylated interferon in certain situations remains. Taking the first one is accompanied by mild dyspeptic disorders, hemolytic anemia, headache, and increased concentration of uric acid.

Thanks to standard therapy using these drugs, it was possible to declare hepatitis C a curable pathology. Half of patients with genotype 1 recovered within 48 weeks. Side effects affecting the quality of life of those infected limited the number of results and required constant correction from the doctor.

Today, new generation drugs have been developed: Sofosbuvir and Simeprevir, which directly affect the activity of HCV. They are elements of therapeutic regimens, recommended by WHO, and in 95% of cases they help achieve recovery. Taken orally. Daily dosage of the first: 1 tablet, of the second 1 capsule (150 mg). The course lasts from 1 to 2 years. They are well tolerated, but patients with kidney pathologies require caution when using them.

In 100% of cases using the duet of Ribavirin and Sofosbuvir, neither virological breakthrough nor relapse was observed. This treatment has one drawback - high cost, but an important advantage - it gives hope that future generations will be able to live without the “gentle killer”. Direct acting drugs (DADs) also include:

  • Daclatasvir.
  • Viqueira.

Sensitive quantitative techniques allow monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.

Liver restoration

The largest human gland has an amazing ability to regenerate. The fight against virions requires taking hepatoprotectors and vitamins to improve the condition of the affected liver and support its functions. For this purpose, the following may be prescribed:

  • Silimar.
  • Phosphogliv.
  • Karsil.
  • Ursosan.
  • Essentiale.
  • Lipoic acid (vitamin N).

Immunomodulators

To strengthen the defenses, “Timogen” is indicated, as well as the immunocorrective composition Amiksin. They are contraindicated in any decompensated conditions, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the late stages of liver cirrhosis. In case of individual intolerance, they can provoke allergies.

Much attention is paid to inducers of intrinsic interferon, such as Cycloferon, as well as immunomodulators that increase the activity of red bone marrow stem cells. The latter are successfully used to get rid of viruses from children and adolescents.

Patient questions:

  • Why is intensive therapy not carried out in acute hepatitis? This is due to the inevitable additional drug load, which is potentially dangerous for the liver.
  • Is it possible to use the sauna? There is no categorical prohibition, because this is another way to activate the body’s protective functions and cleanse it of toxins. But the effect can be either positive or not, so the decision is up to the hepatologist.

Nutrition during treatment

In case of acute damage to hepatocytes, the doctor prescribes table No. 5, which should relieve the liver, while providing the body with everything it needs. The diet involves consuming foods from the following list:

  • dried bread;
  • vegetable, milk soups;
  • porridge;
  • pasta;
  • lean meat and fish;
  • hard cheeses;
  • butter;
  • eggs in the form of an omelet;
  • green apples;
  • still mineral water;
  • weak tea.

Banned:

  • canned food;
  • marinades, pickles;
  • spicy, fried, fatty foods;
  • spices, smoked meats;
  • rich broths, jellied meat;
  • mushrooms;
  • food additives;
  • cream, sour cream;
  • chocolate;
  • coffee, ice cream;
  • strawberries, rose hips.

You can't completely give up fat so as not to provoke corresponding vitamin deficiencies. In the chronic form of hepatitis C, products prohibited for the acute phase are consumed with a limitation of 1 time per week. Fractional meals and small portions promote rapid absorption of food, improve intestinal motility, and provide a choleretic effect.

Restorative therapy and diet prevent complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Disease prevention

A vaccine against HCV has not been developed, so only the primary measures recommended by WHO will help prevent infection from person to person. Here is a short list of them:

  • Safe performance of medical procedures (using disposable instruments).
  • Transfusion of tested blood derivatives.
  • Hand hygiene.
  • Using condoms.
  • Regular sanitation of manicure and pedicure equipment.
  • Vaccination against hepatitis A and B to prevent co-infection and protect hepatocytes.
  • Timely detection of liver pathologies.
  • Educating the population.

Do not touch open wounds or even scratches without gloves. If the presence of HCV is suspected, a repeated detailed analysis will be required and a referral to an infectious disease specialist to prescribe constructive treatment.

The liver is a multifunctional organ. It is responsible for filtering blood, producing bile, and recycling sugars. Among the diseases that provoke inflammation of the liver are hepatitis C and B. They are dangerous for others because viruses are resistant to disinfection, live up to 4 days in a humid environment at room temperature, and are destroyed only by prolonged boiling. They actively reproduce and spread.

The diseases do not have pronounced symptoms or signs; they are diagnosed through a blood test. Virus carriers may not be aware that they are a source of infection for others. Chronic forms of diseases threaten serious complications; treatment of infectious diseases sometimes drags on for years.

Transmission routes

Hepatitis C

Unlike other hepatitis, type C is characterized by a latent course of the disease. Only 20% of infected people may show symptoms. The virus constantly mutates, the body is not able to recognize it, and the immune system cannot respond by producing antibodies.

The infection is transmitted in three ways:

  • hematogenous (the pathogen is contained in blood components and lymph);
  • sexual contact (the disease can be transmitted through saliva when the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and gums are damaged; menstrual fluid; the male seminal secretion can become a carrier of the pathogen);
  • vertically inherited (a sick mother is the source of intrauterine infection of the baby).

The pathogen is not transmitted through household means. If the patient follows the rules of hygiene, uses individual objects, and covers up cuts and bleeding scratches, he does not pose a threat to others. In families, very often only one person is sick for many years.

To enter the bloodstream, the pathogen must enter a comfortable environment:

  • on the mucous membrane;
  • damaged skin;
  • into the wound.

The microorganism that causes liver inflammation is quite resistant. It is capable of existing for up to 96 hours in microscopic droplets of blood and lymph components on objects that violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes. These could be:

  • toothbrushes;
  • razors;
  • scissors;
  • tools for manicure and foot care.

The pathogen is destroyed by boiling for twenty minutes. Alcohol and other disinfectant solutions have no effect on it.

Doctors who work with patients are at risk. They are periodically vaccinated against other forms of hepatitis, and their blood is checked for antibodies to the virus. Infections during surgery or during first aid are rare. In such situations, emergency preventive measures are used; cases of health workers falling ill while performing their duties are rare.

Infections occur when:

  • blood transfusion and collection for research;
  • surgical interventions;
  • instrumental examinations of internal organs;
  • visiting the dentist;
  • acupuncture;
  • injections;
  • other procedures related to the isolation of blood components.

The pathogen can be transmitted through sexual contact by any blood components, lymph, saliva, male and female secretions. The risk of infection increases if:

  • during rough sex, the internal tissues of the genital organs, anus, and rectum are damaged;
  • there are diseases of the vagina of an infectious nature;
  • menstrual period.

At risk are men and women who often change partners and do not use mechanical contraception. Viral hepatitis is more often diagnosed in people over 35 years of age. In the majority of sick adults, the sexual route of infection is detected.

A baby from an infected mother can be born healthy if the virus is detected in the first trimester. Special therapy is prescribed to stop the spread of infection. During childbirth, infection is practically excluded; only in 6 cases out of 100 can a newborn become infected. For the mother, pregnancy will worsen the disease: the liver is more loaded, many medications are prohibited during pregnancy.

Hepatitis B

According to WHO, currently more than 2 billion people in the world are infected with the hepatitis B virus. The average age of those affected by this disease is 15-30 years. Of all those infected with the hepatitis B virus, 80% are drug addicts. The virus is found in human biological fluids: blood, saliva, vaginal secretions and semen.

The main routes of transmission of the virus:

  1. Transfusion of contaminated blood to a healthy person in a medical facility.
  2. Using the same syringe several times (mainly drug addicts).
  3. During surgery, unless medical equipment is thoroughly disinfected.
  4. Transmission of infection from mother to fetus.
  5. Household method of infection.

List of possible consequences for others

Hepatitis C

The disease does not immediately make itself felt. A person begins to fight the disease when a complication occurs. The virus may not bother you for a long time; the disease becomes chronic. The liver tissue is increasingly affected by the inflammatory process. To identify the pathogen immediately, it is necessary to undergo examination in case of threat of infection.

If the test is positive, there is no reason to sound the alarm. Hepatitis C is not a fatal disease. It can be effectively treated in the early stages. However, the patient himself chooses which outcome is acceptable to him:

  • getting rid of the disease and its consequences;
  • suppressed chronic course of the inflammatory process;
  • irreversible destruction of functional liver tissue (up to the development of cirrhosis);
  • complications of hepatitis C.

The course of the disease in chronic form is accompanied by:

  • fatigue from metabolic disorders;
  • general poor condition due to disruption of internal organs;
  • frequent headaches, since the liver cannot cope with filtration, and toxins accumulate.

In the future, liver inflammation can cause:

  • fatty degeneration of tissues that produce hormones and bile secretions;
  • diseases of the digestive system;
  • disorders of cardiovascular activity.

The list of possible consequences includes many diseases, since inflammation of the liver changes the structure of the blood and its component composition. The level of leukocytes, bilirubin, cholesterol, sugar increases - the liver is involved in the synthesis of insulin. With its deficiency, serious diseases of the endocrine system occur. Changes in platelet levels affect blood clotting. This is fraught with damage to the veins and the formation of blood clots.

The central nervous system suffers: toxins have a destructive effect on neutron bonds. Memory is impaired, mental abilities are reduced. Behavioral reactions change, and hepatic coma may occur (due to disruption of nerve connections, the organ shuts down).

Painful manifestations: liver failure - with the development of hepatitis C, the decrease in the functional capacity of the organ reaches 80%. In this case, the patient’s condition worsens significantly; due to poor utilization of bile breakdown products, in some cases with prolonged hepatitis C, jaundice of the skin occurs.

Dangerous consequences of hepatitis C also include ascites or dropsy. Diseases occur when the peritoneum is damaged. They can be fatal if complicated by oncology. The most terrible diagnosis for hepatitis C is cirrhosis of the liver. The risk of developing this complication in men is higher than in the weaker half of humanity.

Statistical data for the diagnosis of cirrhosis against the background of hepatitis C:

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus is very active and is able to survive in almost any environment. Here is the danger of this virus:

  1. Liver failure - usually occurs in the acute form of the disease, which occurs in only 1% of all patients. With pronounced symptoms, the disease develops quite quickly. The size of the liver decreases in size. Afterwards jaundice appears. The risk of fulminant development of liver failure increases several times when infected with several types of hepatitis (A, C).
  2. Hepatitis B, if left untreated, can be fatal. The liver ceases to perform its function, namely cleansing. As a result, intoxication of the body occurs, then cirrhosis of the liver. There are even cases of cancer development.

How to avoid infection

In order not to treat hepatitis B and C, it is important to know what preventive measures can be effective. There is no vaccine to produce antibodies to hepatitis C. A reliable preventive measure is self-control. A complete cessation of bad habits and a healthy lifestyle cannot guarantee 100% safety. But the likelihood of infection is significantly reduced.

It is useful to undergo regular medical examinations. There are special markers for rapid testing. The procedure does not take much time, the results will be ready within 2-3 minutes. Examinations are carried out for any suspicion of infection.

If diseases are detected in time, taking antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor will help avoid serious consequences. It is important at this moment to maintain immunity so that the body more actively resists pathogens.

Prevention consists of minimizing the risk of possible infection. It is important to avoid situations in which pathogens could theoretically be transmitted. The use of barrier contraception, even during sexual intercourse with a virus carrier, reduces the risk of infection to a minimum, and one regular partner is a guarantee of safe sex.

Special precautions are necessary for HIV-infected people. They are more susceptible to diseases. They need to undergo regular examinations.

To avoid infection with hepatitis B, doctors recommend that children be vaccinated, observe good personal hygiene, and give up alcohol and smoking.

Compliance with preventive measures is mandatory for adults and children. When choosing a medical facility, dental offices, or salons, it is better to give preference to those that follow sanitary rules.

If this happens, it is necessary for the material containing the virus (the blood of an infected person) to enter the bloodstream of another person. More than 2% of the world's population is infected with this virus. The incidence of hepatitis C is increasing every year. It is believed that this increase is associated with the spread of drug addiction, since 38-40% of young people who develop hepatitis C are infected through intravenous drug use.

Approximately 70-80% of patients with hepatitis C develop a chronic form of the disease, which represents the greatest danger, as it can lead to the formation of a malignant liver tumor.

Currently, a number of effective drugs have been developed for the treatment of hepatitis C. With timely and competent therapy, complete cure is possible in 60-80% of cases. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for hepatitis C yet.

Causes of the disease

The source of infection is a sick person or a virus carrier.

Infection with the hepatitis C virus is possible in the following situations:

  • when drug addicts use one syringe for intravenous administration of narcotic substances;
  • when performing piercings and tattoos with instruments contaminated with the blood of a patient or a carrier of infection;
  • when sharing razors, manicure accessories, toothbrushes;
  • during the hemodialysis procedure (artificial kidney machine);
  • from medical workers when performing any medical procedures related to blood;
  • during transfusion of blood products (this route of transmission is becoming less and less significant, since in developed countries blood products are required to be tested for the presence of the hepatitis C virus);
  • sexual transmission of hepatitis C (during unprotected sexual contact with a carrier of the virus, the probability of transmission is 3-5%);
  • transmission of infection from an infected mother to the fetus (happens in less than 5% of cases; infection, as a rule, occurs during childbirth, during the passage of the birth canal).

The risk of hepatitis C virus infection through medical procedures may persist in developing countries. If sanitary standards are grossly violated, then any office where medical procedures are performed can become the site of infection.

Hepatitis C is not transmitted by airborne droplets, shaking hands, hugging, or sharing utensils, food or drinks. If transmission of infection occurs in everyday life, then a particle of blood from a patient or a carrier of the hepatitis C virus must enter the blood of the infected person.

Symptoms of hepatitis C

From the moment of infection to clinical manifestations, it takes from 2-3 weeks to 6-12 months. In the case of acute onset of the disease, the initial period lasts 2-3 weeks, accompanied by joint pain, fatigue, weakness, and indigestion. A rise in temperature is rarely observed. Jaundice is also uncommon. Acute hepatitis C is diagnosed very rarely and more often by chance.

After the acute phase of the disease, a person can recover, but the disease can become chronic or become a carrier of the virus. Most patients (70-80% of cases) develop a chronic course. The transition from acute to chronic hepatitis C occurs gradually: over several years, liver cell damage increases and fibrosis develops. Liver function can be maintained for a long time. And the first symptoms (jaundice, enlarged abdomen, spider veins on the skin of the abdomen, increasing weakness) may appear already with cirrhosis of the liver.

Combination of hepatitis C with other forms viral hepatitis sharply worsens the course and prognosis of the disease.

Diagnosis of hepatitis C

To diagnose hepatitis C, it is necessary to perform (bilirubin, ALT, AST, prothrombin index, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol), a blood test for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), PCR for HCV RNA (qualitative PCR, quantitative PCR, genotyping) , Ultrasound of the abdominal organs and a number of other studies.

Hepatitis C virus RNA in the blood (HCV-RNA) is determined by PCR. This test helps confirm infection and provides information about the activity and rate of virus reproduction in the body.
The presence of IgM class antibodies (anti-HCV IgM) makes it possible to distinguish active hepatitis from carriage (when there are no IgM antibodies and ALT is normal).

Having all the results, the doctor will be able to make a full diagnosis, determine the level of development of the viral process in the body, assess the condition of the liver and the degree of its damage, and select an effective and safe treatment.

What can you do

If you have tested positive for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus or suspect you have the disease based on your symptoms, you should contact your GP as soon as possible. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, you should scrupulously follow your doctor’s orders and stop drinking alcohol.

Prevention of hepatitis C

  • refusal to use intravenous drugs (if you cannot refuse them, never use other people's syringes and needles);
  • do not use other people's razors, toothbrushes or any objects where there may be blood;
  • When visiting the dentist, make sure that all potentially dangerous manipulations are performed only with disposable instruments;
  • visit only proven and high-quality manicure and tattoo parlors (the artist must wash his hands, work in disposable gloves and use disposable tools);
  • persons who have sexual contact with hepatitis C patients or carriers of the virus are recommended to use condoms.

The causative virus is more often detected in people aged 20-29 years, but in recent years there has been a tendency towards a gradual “maturation” of the disease.

There are 170 million patients worldwide suffering from this form of hepatitis. About 4 million new cases of the disease are recorded annually, while the number of deaths from its complications totals more than 350 thousand.

The causative agent of hepatitis C is the RNA-containing HCV virus, which is variable and prone to mutation, due to which several of its subspecies can be simultaneously detected in the patient’s body.

The HCV virus enters the liver parenchyma, where it begins the induction process. In this case, liver cells are destroyed, which causes inflammation of the entire organ. Gradually, hepatocytes are replaced by connective tissue, cirrhosis develops, and the liver loses its ability to perform its functions.

Many people are interested in the question of whether hepatitis C is transmitted in everyday life through touching or using common things. Based on the information obtained after the research, it is safe to say that this is unlikely.

HOW CAN YOU GET INFECTED?

There are two main methods of transmission of the hepatitis C pathogen: transfusion (through blood and its components) and sexual. The first one is considered the most common.

The only source of infection is a sick person in the active phase of the disease or a carrier of the virus in whom the disease is asymptomatic.

Hepatitis C, like hepatitis B, is transmitted sexually, however, the risk of contracting hepatitis C through sexual contact is much lower. This is explained by the reduced concentration of the pathogen in the carrier’s blood.

Mechanisms of transmission of infection:

  • vertical - from mother to child;
  • contact – during sexual intercourse;
  • artificial - infection during manipulations associated with violating the integrity of the integument.

AT-RISK GROUPS

There are certain groups of people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis C during treatment or due to their professional activities and lifestyle.

Infection can occur during:


  • persons who use drugs by injection;
  • patients whose disease requires constant hemodialysis;
  • persons who have been repeatedly transfused with blood and its components (especially before 1989);
  • persons after organ transplantation;
  • children born from infected mothers;
  • patients of oncology clinics with malignant diseases of the hematopoietic organs;
  • medical personnel in direct contact with the blood of patients;
  • persons who do not use barrier contraception and prefer to have several sexual partners;
  • sexual partners of persons with hepatitis C;
  • carriers of the immunodeficiency virus;
  • homosexuals;
  • people who regularly visit manicure, piercing, tattoo salons, and beauty salons for invasive procedures;
  • people who share razors, toothbrushes and other personal hygiene products in everyday life with a hepatitis carrier;
  • people with unknown causes of liver disease.

It is not often possible to determine how hepatitis C was transmitted. In 40–50% of patients, it is not possible to identify the route of transmission of the pathogen. Such cases are considered sporadic.

WHERE CAN YOU GET INFECTED?

Dangerous places from the point of view of infection with hepatitis C:

  • tattoo parlors (for piercing and tattooing);
  • shared drug injection sites;
  • dental office;
  • correctional institutions, places of detention;
  • medical institutions (very rare in developed countries).

When visiting salons and medical institutions, you need to be confident in the qualifications of the staff, ensure that only disposable materials are used, and seek help from specialists licensed for this type of activity.

FEATURES OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD

Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood. The serum and blood plasma of carriers of the infection pose a danger even a week before the onset of symptoms of the disease and remain capable of infection for a long time.

In order for transmission of infection to occur, a sufficient amount of infected blood must enter the bloodstream, so the most common route of transmission of the pathogen is through its introduction through a needle during an injection. The highest concentration of the pathogen is found in the blood, while in other liquid media it is much lower.

Statistics data:

  • blood transfusion – more than 50% of cases;
  • injection drug use – more than 20% of cases;
  • hemodialysis (artificial kidney) – more than 10% of cases.

Statistics among drug addicts who inject drugs indicate that 75% of them are infected with hepatitis C.

The source of infection can be unsterile medical instruments, needles for tattooing and piercing, contaminated with the blood of a patient, razors, manicure scissors when shared with an infected person.

The likelihood of contracting hepatitis C from a single injection with a contaminated needle in a medical facility is minimal, since the concentration of viruses in small amounts of contaminated blood is insufficient. In this case, the size of the needle lumen matters. Thus, small-section needles, which are used for intramuscular injections, are much less dangerous than cannulas with a wide opening for intravenous infusions.


Until the end of the last century, the main route of transmission of hepatitis C was the introduction of the pathogen with infected blood and its components during transfusion. At the moment, the number of such cases of infection has decreased significantly due to testing of donor blood for the presence of antibodies. Diagnostics give errors in the case of examining patients and donors in the initial stage of the disease, when it is difficult to detect markers of the pathogen.

In economically developed countries, where sterilization standards for medical instruments are strictly observed, only disposable needles are used and donated blood is checked, the likelihood of contracting hepatitis C by hematogenous and parenteral routes is minimal.

FEATURES OF VERTICAL TRANSMISSION

The method of transmission of the pathogen from mother to child is called vertical. The hepatitis C virus is transmitted in different ways.

Vertical transmission path:

  • during childbirth;
  • when breastfeeding;
  • when caring for a child.

In this list, the main practical significance is infection with hepatitis C during childbirth, since at the moment the child passes through the birth canal there is a high probability of contact of the child’s blood with the mother’s blood. Unfortunately, methods to prevent transmission of infection during childbirth have not been developed.

Such cases are recorded in 6% of patients, but with a low viral load in the mother, vertical transmission is observed in extremely rare cases. The risk of infection of a child increases to 15% when the mother is simultaneously diagnosed with hepatitis C and the immunodeficiency virus.

Cases of infection of a child in the postpartum period are quite rare. The pathogen is found in the breast milk of a nursing woman, but when it enters the baby’s stomach, the virus is broken down by digestive juices and does not pose a threat of infection. For this reason, breastfeeding is not contraindicated for women with hepatitis C.

When HCV and HIV are combined, the frequency of infection of newborns increases significantly, therefore, women who are carriers of HIV infection are not recommended to breastfeed their children.

FEATURES OF SEXUAL INFECTION

The role of sexual transmission of hepatitis C is small compared to the likelihood of infection with hepatitis B or HIV and accounts for about 5–10% of the total number of cases of the disease.

The study of the composition of liquid media such as saliva, seminal fluid and vaginal secretions indicates the presence of a pathogen in them in rare cases and in low titers. For this reason, episodes of sexual transmission are relatively rare.

Factors contributing to hepatitis C infection through sexual contact:

  • violation of the integrity of the internal surface of the genital tract and oral cavity, their bleeding;
  • inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
  • sexual intercourse during menstruation;
  • concomitant urinary and reproductive diseases, HIV infection;
  • promiscuity;
  • practice of anal sex;
  • traumatic sex in an aggressive form.

The risk of transmission of infection from one spouse to another is less than 1% per year, but with concomitant pathologies it increases significantly.

All of the above factors are a good reason to use condoms, as well as have both sexual partners tested annually to detect hepatitis C markers.

OTHER WAYS OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS C

A number of unusual and rare cases of how hepatitis C is transmitted have been described. Thus, with regular nasal inhalation of cocaine, trauma to the nasal mucosa and blood vessels occurs, which are the gateway for the virus to enter.

In addition, no one is immune from infection during accidents, fights, or injuries associated with increased blood loss. Through open wounds, the carrier’s blood can penetrate and the infection virus can be transmitted, and its quantity may be sufficient to begin the development of pathology.

RE-INFECTION

Treatment of hepatitis C is a long and expensive process. Despite this, many people managed to get rid of this destructive disease and return to a healthy life. Approximately 15% of patients in whom the disease is detected in the acute stage have a chance of full recovery.

However, there is a possibility of re-infection, since humans do not develop protective factors against the HCV virus. In addition, the variety of pathogen varieties does not allow us to develop a unified tactic of preventive measures and create a vaccine.

HOW NOT TO GET INFECTED WITH HEPATITIS C

The issue of transmission of the HCV virus has been well studied. Infectious disease experts say that people can only transmit hepatitis C directly to another person. Intermediate hosts in the form of animals and blood-sucking insects are excluded.

There have been no cases of infection from pets through cuts or bites. Researchers paid special attention to mosquitoes from hot countries, which could become a reservoir of infection.

More than 50 species of mosquitoes have been studied. The following results were obtained: 24 hours after infection of the insects, the pathogen was isolated only in the abdomen of the mosquito; the virus was not detected in the thoracic part of the insect. These data suggest that the possibility of infection through mosquito bites is excluded.

Hepatitis C cannot be transmitted through household contact. Patients suffering from this disease pose no danger to others, family members, friends and work colleagues.

There is a certain risk when using personal hygiene items that can cut the skin or retain the patient’s physiological fluids on their surface. This probability is extremely small, but it must be taken into account.

Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease. He is also called the “gentle killer.” This disease sneaks up on the sly, proceeds without clear signs and leads to severe consequences: cancer or cirrhosis of the liver.

The virus was discovered in 1989; before that, the disease was called “non-A, non-B hepatitis.” Both drug addicts who use the same needle and absolutely healthy people can become infected with hepatitis C. After all, you can “catch” the virus in the dentist’s office or in a nail salon.

After infection, hepatitis behaves very secretly. Viruses multiply in the liver, gradually destroying its cells. However, in most cases, a person does not feel any signs of the disease. And if there are no complaints and visits to the doctor, there is no treatment. As a result, in 75% of cases the disease enters the chronic stage, and serious consequences arise. Often, a person feels the first signs of the disease only when cirrhosis of the liver has developed, which cannot be cured.

How common is hepatitis C? There are more than 150 million chronic patients on the planet; in Russia their number is 5 million. Every year the disease is detected in 3-4 million people. And the mortality rate from the consequences of hepatitis C is 350 thousand per year. Agree, impressive numbers.

The disease is unevenly distributed. In some countries with poor sanitary standards, 5% of the total population is infected. Men and women are equally susceptible to this disease, but treatment is more successful in women. In children, hepatitis responds better to treatment; only in 20% of cases does it become chronic. While in adults, 20% of patients are successfully cured, 20% become carriers of the virus, and 60% have chronic liver disease.

Can hepatitis C be completely cured?

How is hepatitis C transmitted?

The disease is transmitted through blood. The source of infection is humans. This can be a patient with acute or chronic form of hepatitis C, as well as a carrier - someone who has the virus in his blood, but is not sick himself.

There are many situations in which you can become infected with the hepatitis C virus.

  1. For blood transfusions and organ transplants. Approximately 1-2% of donors have the virus and are unaware of it. People who are forced to undergo repeated blood transfusions are especially at risk. In the past, this was the main route of disease transmission. But now blood and donated organs are checked more carefully.
  2. When drug addicts share the same needle. Up to 40% of patients become infected this way. The small fragments of blood that remain on the needle are enough to cause many serious diseases. Including AIDS and hepatitis C viruses.
  3. When using non-sterile instruments. Many medical and cosmetic procedures can cause skin damage. If the instruments have not been properly disinfected, then infected blood particles with the virus remain on them. This danger lurks in the dentist's office, during acupuncture sessions, as well as for those people who get piercings, tattoos, or just a manicure.
  4. During childbirth– “vertical” transmission path. The mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth. Especially if at this moment she has an acute form of hepatitis or she suffered from the disease in the last months of pregnancy. Milk does not contain the virus, so breastfeeding is completely safe.
  5. During sexual intercourse. During sex without a condom, you can pick up the virus from your sexual partner. However, the risk of such infection with hepatitis C is not very high.
  6. When providing medical care. Health care workers who give injections, treat wounds, or work with blood and blood products are also at risk of becoming infected. Especially if infected blood gets on damaged areas of the skin.

Hepatitis C is not transmitted through shared utensils, food and water, towels, washcloths, kissing and hugging. The virus is also not released when talking, sneezing or coughing.

What is the hepatitis C virus?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small, round virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. Its main part is one chain of ribonucleic acid (RNA). It is responsible for transmitting genetic information to descendant viruses. The chain is covered by a shell of protein molecules – the capsid. The outer protective layer of the capsule consists of fats. On their surface there are elevations similar to volcanoes - these are protein molecules that serve to penetrate human cells.

The virus has an interesting feature. It is constantly changing. Today there are 11 of its variants - genotypes. But after infection with one of them, the virus continues to mutate. As a result, up to 40 varieties of one genotype can be identified in a patient.

It is this property of the virus that allows it to remain in the body for so long. While the human immune system learns to produce antibodies to fight one variant, the virus has already managed to change. Then the immune system has to start producing “defenders” all over again. From such a load, the human immune system is gradually depleted.

What happens in the body when a virus gets there?

Intoxication that occurs due to the activity of the virus also has a bad effect on the human condition. The condition also worsens because the liver, which is supposed to cleanse the blood of toxins, does not perform its functions.

Will vaccination help prevent hepatitis C?

Today there are vaccinations against hepatitis A and B. There is no vaccine that would prevent hepatitis C. This is explained by the fact that the virus has a huge number of varieties and it is very difficult to create a drug that would contain an element common to all genotypes. But developments are constantly underway. Perhaps such a tool will appear in the future.

In the meantime, prevention measures include abstaining from drugs and using condoms during sexual intercourse. Healthcare workers should wear rubber gloves to protect their hands. Sanitation stations constantly monitor how instruments that come into contact with blood are processed. But only you can decide where to get your teeth treated, manicures and piercings done.

What can be the blood result for hepatitis C?

If there is a suspicion that a person may have become infected with hepatitis, a number of tests are prescribed:

  • Coagulogram (test for blood clotting)
  • Test for determination of hepatitis C virus RNA by PCR (for HCV-RN) qualitative, quantitative, genotyping
  • Antibody test to the hepatitis C virus(anti-HCV, ELISA, enzyme immunoassay)
  • Test for the presence of class M antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV IgM)
  • Test for the presence of class G antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV IgG)

Let's take a closer look at each type of research:

  1. General blood test . A decrease in platelet levels is detected in the blood. At the same time, the number of leukocytes increases. This is a sign of an inflammatory process in the liver.

  2. Biochemical blood test. During hepatitis C, enzymes and other substances appear in the blood that are not found in the tests of a healthy person.
    • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found in hepatocytes. If it is found in the blood, this indicates liver damage. This test is considered very sensitive for detecting acute hepatitis in the early stages.

    • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is also an enzyme found in liver tissue. If both enzymes (AST and ALT) are found in the blood, this may indicate that the death of liver cells has begun - necrosis. If the amount of AST is much higher than ALT, it is possible that connective tissue has begun to grow in the liver (liver fibrosis). Or this indicates damage to the organ by toxins - medications or alcohol.

    • Bilirubin- one of the components of bile. If it is found in the blood, this indicates disturbances in the functioning of liver cells and their destruction by viruses.

    • Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)- an enzyme found in liver tissue. Elevated levels may indicate liver cirrhosis.

    • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)- an enzyme found in the bile ducts of the liver. If it is present in the blood, it means that hepatitis has disrupted the flow of bile.

    • Protein fractions- proteins that appear in the blood during liver damage. There are quite a lot of proteins, but if the liver suffers, then the amount of 5 of them increases: albumins, alpha1-globulins, alpha2-globulins, beta-globulins and gamma-globulins.

  3. Coagulogram is a set of tests for studying blood clotting. With hepatitis, blood clotting decreases and clotting time increases. This occurs because the level of prothrombin protein, which is synthesized in the liver and is responsible for stopping blood during bleeding, decreases.

  4. Test for determination of hepatitis C virus RNA using PCR qualitative, quantitative, genotyping (PCR for HCV RNA) is a blood test that determines the presence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its component - the RNA chain. The study is carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. It allows you to determine the amount of virus in the blood and its genotype. This information will help you choose the right treatment and predict how the disease will progress.

    If the test is positive, this indicates that the body is infected with the hepatitis C virus and the pathogen is actively multiplying. Knowing the amount of virus can determine how contagious a person is and whether the disease is easy to treat. The lower the amount of virus in the blood, the better the prognosis.


  5. Antibody test for hepatitis virus WITH (anti-HCV, ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is an analysis that is aimed at identifying antibodies that are produced by the immune system to fight the hepatitis C virus. A test for total antibodies includes the determination of immunoglobulins, regardless of their type.

    A positive test result indicates that the body is infected with the virus, and the immune system is actively fighting it. Antibodies are produced in acute and chronic forms of the disease. They also remain in the blood of a person who has been ill and recovered on their own for another 5-9 years. Therefore, more precise research is needed to determine what processes occur during the disease.


  6. Test for the presence of class M antibodies to the hepatitis C virus(anti-HCV IgM) - immunoglobulins M appear in the blood 4 weeks after infection. They remain in large numbers while the disease rages in the body. After 6 months, when the condition improves, there are fewer of them. But they may appear again if the disease becomes chronic and an exacerbation begins.

    A positive test for M antibodies indicates that the patient has an acute form of hepatitis C or an exacerbation of the chronic form of this disease. If the IgM test is negative and there is no ALT in the blood, but there are traces of RNA or IgG, then the person is considered a carrier of the virus.


  7. Test for the presence of class G antibodies to the hepatitis C virus(anti-HCV IgG) is the detection of immunoglobulins G, which neutralize the “nuclear” elements of viruses. This test will not show a recent case of the disease. After all, IgG appears only 2.5-3 months after infection. Their number decreases after six months if the treatment is successful. In patients with the chronic form, immunoglobulins G remain in the blood for the rest of their lives.

    A positive test result indicates that the acute stage is over. Either the healing process has begun or the disease has gone underground and a chronic form has appeared, without exacerbations.

    If the result of blood tests for hepatitis is negative, this means that there are no viruses or antibodies to them in your body. But in some cases, the doctor may advise you to take a repeat test in a few weeks. The fact is that signs of hepatitis C do not appear immediately.


In order for the analysis result to be as accurate as possible, you must adhere to simple rules. Blood for research is taken from the ulnar vein. It is necessary to take tests in the morning, before meals. The day before, you should not drink alcohol or actively engage in sports. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. They may affect test results.

Additional Research

Typically, your doctor will order an ultrasound examination of the liver (ultrasound). It helps identify liver enlargement and areas affected by the virus. But the most accurate results are provided by a biopsy. This involves taking a sample of cells directly from the liver with a special needle. The procedure is carried out quickly. To ensure that the patient does not feel discomfort, he is given an injection with an anesthetic drug.

After conducting all the studies, the doctor determines the level of development of the disease and the degree of liver damage, and also selects the most effective and safe treatment.

What are the genotypes of the virus?

The hepatitis C virus is highly variable. It mutated, adapted to conditions for several thousand years and almost reached perfection. That is why the disease resists immune attacks well and often becomes chronic. To date, the World Health Organization has recognized the existence of 11 genotypes of the hepatitis C virus.

Virus genotypes are its variants, which differ from each other in the structure of the RNA chain. They are designated by numbers from 1 to 11. Each genotype differs from its fellows by about a third. But within each such group there are several options. The differences between them are not so great - these are subtypes. Numbers and letters (1a or 1b) are used to designate them.

Why is the genotype of the virus determined? The fact is that different genotypes cause different forms of the disease. Some subtypes may disappear on their own without treatment. Others, on the contrary, do not respond well to therapy. If you determine the type of virus, you can choose the right dose of the drug and duration of treatment. For example, genotypes 1 and 4 are more resistant to interferon treatment.

Genotypes have another interesting feature - they affect people in different regions:

1a - in America and Australia;
1b - throughout Europe and Asia;
2a - on the islands of Japan and China;
2b - in the USA and Northern Europe;
2c - in Western and Southern Europe;
3a - in Australia, Europe and South Asian countries;
4a - in Egypt;
4c - in Central Africa;
5a - in South Africa;
6a - in Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam;
7a and 7b - in Thailand
8a, 8b and 9a - in Vietnam
10a and 11a - in Indonesia.

In Russia, genotypes 1, 2 and 3 are more common than others. Genotype 1 is the most common in the world and is less amenable to treatment with modern drugs than others. This is especially true for subtype 1c, for which the prognosis for the course of the disease is worse compared to other varieties. Genotypes 1 and 4 are treated for an average of 48-72 weeks. For people with genotype 1, large doses of medications are required and they depend on body weight.

While subtypes 2, 3, 5 and 6 produce a small amount of virus in the blood and have a more favorable prognosis. They can be cured in 12-24 weeks. The disease recedes quite quickly with the use of Interferon and Ribavirin. Genotype 3 causes a serious complication - fat deposition in the liver (steatosis). This phenomenon greatly worsens the patient's condition.

There is evidence that a person can simultaneously become infected with several genotypes, but one of them will always be superior to the others.

What antibodies indicate infectious hepatitis C?

As soon as foreign particles - viruses, bacteria - enter the body, the immune system begins to produce special proteins to fight them. These protein formations are called immunoglobulins. For each type of microorganism, special immunoglobulins are formed.

With hepatitis C, immune cells produce 2 types of “defenders,” which are indicated in tests by a label anti-HCV, which means against the hepatitis C virus.

Antibodies class M(immunoglobulins M or anti-HCV IgM). They appear a month after infection and quickly increase their numbers to a maximum. This occurs in the acute stage of the disease or during an exacerbation of chronic hepatitis C. This reaction of the body indicates that the immune system is actively destroying viruses. When the disease subsides, the amount of anti-HCV IgM gradually decreases.

Antibodies class G(immunoglobulins G or anti-HCV IgG). They are produced against the proteins of the virus and appear approximately 3-6 months after the pathogen has settled in the body. If only these antibodies are present in the blood test, it means that the infection occurred a long time ago, and the active stage is left behind. If the level of anti-HCV IgG is low and gradually decreases with repeated testing, this may indicate recovery. In patients with the chronic form, immunoglobulins G remain in the blood constantly.

Also in laboratories, antibodies to the proteins NS3, NS4 and NS5 are determined. These viral proteins are also called non-structural proteins.

Antibodies that are produced against the NS3 protein(Anti-NS3). They appear at the very beginning of the disease. This analysis allows you to detect the disease in the early stages. It is believed that the higher the Anti-NS3 score, the more virus there is in the blood. And the higher the likelihood that hepatitis C will become chronic.

Antibodies that are produced against the NS4 protein(Anti-NS4). Appear at a later stage. Allows you to find out how long ago the infection occurred. It is believed that the higher their number, the more severely the liver is affected.

Antibodies that are produced against the NS5 protein(Anti-NS5). These antibodies are present in the blood when the RNA of the virus is present there. In the acute period, they may indicate that there is a high probability of chronic hepatitis C.

How to treat hepatitis C with medications?

Can hepatitis C be completely cured?

Yes, since 2015, Hepatitis C has been officially recognized as a completely curable disease. What does this mean? Modern drugs do not just stop the virus from reproducing - they completely kill the virus in the body and return the liver to a healthy state.

Currently, there are very effective methods for treating hepatitis C. With the use of modern drugs, cure occurs in 95-98% of cases. Given the good tolerability of the drugs currently used, hepatitis C can be classified as a completely curable disease.


Since 2015, drugs such as Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir have found widespread use in the treatment of hepatitis C. The complex use of this combination of drugs for 12 weeks leads to almost 100% cure for the disease.

Sofosbuvir

This is a highly effective antiviral drug related to nucleotide analogues. The mechanism of the therapeutic effect of this drug is to block the enzyme involved in copying the genetic material of the virus. As a result, the virus cannot multiply and spread throughout the body.

Velpatasvir

It is a highly effective antiviral drug that targets a protein (protein coded as: NS5A) involved in the assembly of viral components. Thus, this drug prevents the reproduction and spread of the virus in the body.

Combinations of drugs Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir used according to the treatment regimen have a dual effect on various types of hepatitis C virus, which represents the optimal treatment for all 6 genotypes of hepatitis C.

The duration of treatment with the combination of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir is 12 weeks. The result is 98% cure for hepatitis C.

Previous treatment regimens for hepatitis C involved the use of Interferon drugs in combination with Ribavirin. Below are the treatment regimens and mechanisms of therapeutic action.

Interferon

It is a protein structure that is normally produced by human cells to fight viruses. To prepare the medicine, the corresponding section of human DNA is implanted into E. coli using genetic engineering methods. Then the protein molecules are isolated and purified. Thanks to this technology, interferon is produced on an industrial scale.

Injectable interferon alpha 2a or 2b is suitable for the treatment of hepatitis C. Other forms, such as candles, do not help.

Mechanism of action of interferon:

  • protects healthy cells from virus penetration
  • strengthens the cell wall so that pathogens cannot penetrate inside
  • prevents the virus from multiplying
  • slows down the production of virus particles
  • activates the work of genes in the cell that fight viruses
  • stimulates the immune system to fight the virus

Additional administration of interferon helps the body cope with the infection. In addition, it prevents the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

  1. Simple interferons - are With the cheapest and therefore generally available drugs :
    • Roferon-A(interferon alpha-2a) Increases cell resistance to the virus. Strengthens the immune system so that it actively destroys the pathogen. Prescribe 3-4.5 million IU (international units) 3 times a week. The duration of treatment is from 6 months to a year.

    • Intron-A(interferon alpha-2b). Binds to receptors on the surface of the cell and changes its functioning. As a result, the virus can no longer reproduce in the cell. The drug also increases the activity of phagocytes - immune cells that absorb viruses. For the first 6 months, the dose is 3 million IU 3 times a week. The duration of treatment can last up to a year.
  2. Peligated interferon - this is the same interferon, but it remains in the body for a longer period. This occurs due to the addition of polyethylene glycol, which enhances the effect of interferon. Types of drugs:
    • Pegasis(peginterferon alfa-2a). Stops the division of the virus RNA and its reproduction. Immune defense is strengthened. Liver cells reproduce correctly without losing their functions. Stimulates those genes in hepatocytes that can resist the attack of the hepatitis C virus. Dosage: 180 mcg once a week subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh. Duration of treatment is 48 weeks.

    • Pegintron(peginterferon alfa-2b) Activates enzymes that are produced inside the cell to fight viruses. The dose of the drug depends on body weight. On average it is 0.5 ml once a week. The duration of treatment is from 6 months to a year.

  3. Consensus interferon – a drug obtained thanks to the latest bioengineering technologies.
    • Infergen(interferon alfacon-1) It differs in that the sequence of amino acids in interferon is changed. Thanks to this, the effect of the drug is enhanced. It helps even those people for whom treatment with other medications has not produced results. Dose 15 mcg – 1 bottle. Injected daily or three times a week under the skin of the abdomen or thigh. The minimum treatment period is 24 weeks.

Ribavirin

This is a synthetic drug that stimulates the immune system and greatly enhances the effect of interferon-based drugs. Used together with any of the interferons.

Arviron. The drug easily penetrates cells affected by the virus, stops the division of the virus and promotes the death of the pathogen. The dose depends on body weight. Take 2-3 tablets with meals in the morning and evening. The capsules must not be chewed. Duration of treatment is 24-48 weeks.

Rebetol. Gets inside liver cells affected by the disease. There, it prevents new viruses from forming a shell around the RNA and thus inhibits their reproduction. The number of capsules depends on body weight. Usually prescribed 2 in the morning and 3 in the evening with meals. Do not chew the capsules. Take in parallel with interferon for 24-72 weeks.

Hepatoprotectors

These are drugs that are designed to support the liver during a difficult period for it. They do not fight the virus, but help the affected cells recover faster. Thanks to these medications, the general condition improves, weakness, nausea and other manifestations of intoxication decrease.

Phosphogliv. Supplies phospholipids to the body. They are designed to “repair” the walls of damaged liver cells. Take 1-2 capsules each time you eat, 3-4 times a day. The duration of the course is six months or more.

Heptral. Performs many functions in the body: enhances the production of bile, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, accelerates the restoration of liver cells, relieves intoxication and protects the nervous system. To enhance the effect, the drug is administered intravenously for the first 2-3 weeks using droppers. Then they prescribe pills. Take 1 tablet 2 times a day orally for 3-4 weeks. It is recommended to take the medicine on an empty stomach half an hour before meals. Better in the morning. The minimum treatment period is 3 months.

Ursosan. The most effective drug of all hepatoprotectors. Made from ursodeoxycholic acid. Protects cells from destruction, strengthens the immune system, reduces the amount of toxins, prevents fat from being deposited in hepatocytes, and delays the development of connective tissue in the liver. Take 1 capsule 2-3 times a day with meals. The capsules must not be chewed. The dose may vary depending on body weight. The duration of treatment is from 6 months to several years.

Drugs to reduce side effects of treatment.

Interferon antiviral drugs are not always well tolerated. Young people quickly adapt to such therapy, but if the body is weakened, then it needs help.

Derinat. Immunomodulator – normalizes the functioning of the immune system, increases the number of protective cells: leukocytes, lymphocytes, phagocytes, granulocytes. Prescribed as intramuscular injections. Daily or 2-3 times a week. Course from 2 weeks.

Revolade. Designed to normalize blood functions. Increase its coagulability and prevent bleeding. Take 1 tablet per day for 1-2 weeks.

Neupogen. Normalizes blood composition (number of neutrophils), helps reduce temperature. It is administered subcutaneously or intravenously in droppers. Prescribed by a doctor based on the results of blood tests.

Hepatitis C can be cured, but to do this you need to contact a specialist who has experience working with this disease. A person will have to be patient, strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and follow a diet.