ANSWER
An Analysis of Hepatitis C
First question: Explain the pathogenesis of HCV.
A single-stranded RNA virus called the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the cause of hepatitis C. HCV attacks the liver’s hepatocytes after entering the bloodstream. Within these cells, the virus multiplies, triggering a cytotoxic immunological reaction. This causes inflammation and hepatocyte damage by attracting immune cells and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, and fibrosis can all be brought on by a persistent infection over time (Chen & Morgan, 2020).
Due to its rapid rate of mutation, the virus’s genetic diversity enables it to elude the immune system, making it challenging for the body to eradicate the infection. Persistent liver inflammation, which interferes with normal liver architecture and function and causes increasing liver damage, is a hallmark of chronic HCV infection (El-Serag et al., 2019).
Question 2: Talk about Hepatitis C’s clinical manifestation and diagnostic techniques.
Clinical Display: Early identification of hepatitis C is difficult since it frequently manifests asymptomatically during the acute phase. When symptoms appear, they could consist of:
Weariness and jaundice
Vomiting and feeling queasy
Pain in the abdomen, especially in the upper right quadrant
Pale stools and dark urine
Hepatocellular carcinoma, portal hypertension, and cirrhosis are among the consequences of untreated chronic HCV infection (El-Serag et al., 2019).
Methods of Diagnosis:
HCV Antibody Test: Indicates viral exposure by detecting antibodies against HCV.
By identifying viral RNA, the HCV RNA Test verifies a current infection. The polymerase chain reaction is used to conduct this test (PCR).
Finding the HCV genotype through genotyping is essential for customizing antiviral treatment.
Enzymes like ALT and AST, which are high in liver inflammation, are measured by liver function tests, or LFTs.
In chronic situations, imaging and liver biopsy may be performed to determine the degree of liver damage (Chen & Morgan, 2020).
Question 3: What Hepatitis C treatment alternatives are available right now?
Achieving sustained virologic response (SVR), which is the absence of detectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after therapy ends, is the main goal of current Hepatitis C treatment.
DAAs, or direct-acting antivirals, are the mainstay of treatment. These drugs focus on particular stages of the HCV lifecycle:
Glecaprevir is one example of an NS3/4A protease inhibitor, which inhibits viral protease and stops viral replication.
The NS5A protein, which is essential for viral replication and assembly, is blocked by NS5A inhibitors, such as Velpatasvir.
Viral replication is stopped by NS5B polymerase inhibitors, such as sofosbuvir, which block the NS5B RNA polymerase.
Treatment Plans:
For 8–12 weeks, DAAs are usually taken orally. Combinations like Sofosbuvir-Velpatasvir work well for all HCV genotypes.
Patients with severe liver disease or those who have not responded to previous treatments may be prescribed ribavirin (Feld et al., 2020).
Question 4: Talk about the significance of Hepatitis C screening and preventative measures.
Examining: For high-risk groups, routine screening is advised, including:
Individuals who take intravenous drugs
HIV patients who had previously received blood transfusions prior to 1992
By facilitating prompt treatment, early detection through screening can avoid long-term problems (Chen & Morgan, 2020).
Strategies for Prevention:
Programs for Harm Reduction: Safe injection techniques and needle exchange can cut down on the spread of intravenous drug use.
Blood Safety: Transfusion-related incidents have all but disappeared as a result of HCV screening for blood products.
Education: Spreading knowledge about safe habits, like not sharing toothbrushes or razors, can help stop the spread of the disease.
Research on Vaccinations: Although there isn’t a vaccine for HCV yet, research is still being done to create one (El-Serag et al., 2019).
Citations
Morgan, T. R., and Chen, S. L. (2020). the course of an infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). 17(3), 126–135; International Journal of Medical Sciences. ijms.47243 https://doi.org/10.7150
Richardson, P., El-Serag, H. B., Kanwal, F., & Kramer, J. (2019). Veterans with hepatitis C virus infection are at risk for hepatocellular cancer following a prolonged virologic response. 70(3), Hepatology, 1073-1080. 10.1002/hep.30854 https://doi.org
Jacobson, I. M., Feld, J. J., and Zeuzem, S. (2020). HCV can be effectively managed with direct-acting antivirals. Liver Disease in Clinical Practice, 15(4), 173-181. Do.org/10.1002/cld.1020
QUESTION
Case Study week 6
Students much review the case study and answer all questions with a scholarly response using APA and include 2 scholarly references. Answer both case studies on the same document and upload 1 document to Moodle.
The answers must be in your own words with reference to the journal or book where you found the evidence to your answer. Do not copy-paste or use a past students work as all files submitted in this course are registered and saved in turn it in program.
Turn it in Score must be less than 30 % or will not be accepted for credit, must be your own work and in your own words. You can resubmit, Final submission will be accepted if less than 30. Copy-paste from websites or textbooks will not be accepted or tolerated. Please see College Handbook with reference to Academic Misconduct Statement.
All answers to case studies must-have reference cited in the text for each answer and a minimum of 2 Scholarly References (Journals, books) (No websites) per case Study
***********The correct case study diagnostic is Hepatitis C*********