Related Terms

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Background

• Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver. Viral infections are the most common cause of hepatitis. A type of hepatitis known as hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus is made up of a single strand of ribonucleic acid (RNA) surrounded by two layers (envelopes), one consisting of proteins and the other of lipids (fat). RNA is a nucleic acid that helps in protein synthesis, which is important for the growth and maintenance of the body.
• Hepatitis C virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family, which includes viruses that mainly spread through arthropod vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes. Dengue fever, an infectious disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, and Japanese encephalitis, an infection that affects the nervous system which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, are some of the diseases caused by the Flaviviridae family of organisms.
• In the mid 1970s, researchers found that a particular type of hepatitis that develops in a person after receiving a blood transfusion was not caused by hepatitis A or B viruses. They named the new virus non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH). The unknown organism was identified by scientists in 1987, and it was renamed the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989.
• HCV causes a liver disease known as hepatitis C. The incubation period, which is the period between infection and the onset of clinical symptoms, ranges from 15 to 150 days. Humans and chimpanzees are the only two species that are susceptible to HCV, and a similar disease process has been observed in both species.
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Types of the Disease

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Risk Factors

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Causes

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Signs and Symptoms

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Diagnosis

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Complications

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Research

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Future Research

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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