Hepatitis C genotype 1

Viral infection is the most unexplored form of life. Scientists have described about five thousand different viruses, but there is an assumption that their total number significantly exceeds this figure.

One of the most serious infectious diseases affecting the liver is hepatitis C. The causative agent of the disease is an RNA-containing virus that has various quasi-species. If one is destroyed, another is replaced, which has more resistance, that is, resistance, to the therapy being administered.

Determining the type of virus through genotyping is the first step prior to treatment. The first genetic variant is difficult to treat. It, in turn, is divided into genotype 1a and 1b.

The hepatitis C virus population has distinct types, which, in turn, are subdivided into smaller subtypes. Consider what hepatitis is with genotype 1, and what are the characteristics of his treatment.

Features 1 of the C-type liver inflammation genotype

The mechanism of development of the RNA-containing virus is not fully understood. Quasivids of the first type are real opportunists, which means that they adapt easily in changing conditions and quickly become accustomed to the effects of drugs. RNA-containing virus easily changes its antigenic structure. After penetrating into the human body, it begins to mutate.

1 hepatitis C genotype is the most common

The first genetic variant is divided into two main subtypes, namely:

• A - it is also called American;
• B - is called Japanese.

Despite such names, subtypes are common not only in America and Japan, but all over the world. In order to better understand what the genotypes of the first group are, let's draw an analogy with tulips. These beautiful flowers can have different colors: red, yellow, pink. That is, within a single variety there are different subtypes. The same principle applies to the RNA-containing virus.

Among the inhabitants of European countries the subtype 1b is more common, therefore we will consider it a little more detailed:

• high risks of transition of the acute form to the chronic process;
• approximately in thirty percent of cases develops a cirrhosis of a liver;
• in fifteen percent of cases develops hepatocellular carcinoma;
• the probability of developing extrahepatic complications, in particular, inflammation of the wall of blood vessels and tumor processes of the lymphatic system;
• in more than half of cases there is a persistent virologic response.

Features of the transmission of the disease

In the human body, the RNA-containing virus can penetrate as follows:

• blood transfusion;
• is a non-sterile material;
• sexual contact;
• during childbirth from mother to child.

Drug addicts are at risk. Hepatitis C is mostly a hemocontact infection, that is, the patient's blood needs to be infected. After the penetration of a viral infection into the wound, it spreads rapidly throughout the body. As a result, the causative agent causes the death of liver cells. Disease-causing microorganisms depress the immune system and inhibit the action of many drugs.

Infection with hepatitis C can occur after a blood transfusion

Characteristic features of

The clinical symptoms of the first genotype do not have characteristic symptoms that would distinguish it from other genetic variants. Most of the disease is asymptomatic. Patients can make complaints ten, or even twenty years after infection.

As the pathological process develops, the following symptoms appear:

• pain in the region of epigastrium and right hypochondrium, which increases after eating and physical activity;
• flatulence;
• diarrhea;
• attack of nausea, vomiting;
• elevated temperature;
• appetite impairment;
• depletion of the body against a background of weight loss;
• reduced resistance to physical stress;
• enlargement of the liver and spleen in size;
• darkening of urine and stool clarification;
• jaundice sclera and skin;
• lethargy, weakness, decreased performance;
• itching of the skin;
• bad breath, change in taste in the mouth.

The disease can for a long time not behave itself

The clinical picture may differ depending on the phase of the infectious process:

• Primary stage .This is an acute process that occurs after exposure to a viral infection. Symptoms can be blurred or pronounced. Often observed asthenovegetative signs, in which the patient feels weak, dizzy, fatigued. The primary stage lasts about six months. In thirty percent of cases, recovery occurs.
• Carrier .This means that the body is infected, but there are no clinical manifestations. There is a probability of self-healing when the virus leaves the body. Otherwise, the virus becomes the source of infection of other people. This infectious stage can last several years.
• Latent phase .Still it is called an asymptomatic form. It is because of her hepatitis C is also called a gentle killer. RNA virus affects hepatocytes, and a person even does not suspect it. The disease is characterized by extrahepatic complications.
• Clinical stage .It may occur several years after infection. How many people live with hepatitis C?The answer to this question largely depends on the state of the immune system and the presence of concomitant complications.

Diagnostics

By defining the markers for the presence of the virus, you can place an accurate diagnosis. Identification of a genetic variant is necessary for selection of medical tactics. The examination includes the following:

• biochemical blood test;
• enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;
• general analysis of urine and blood;
• polymerase chain reaction;
• ultrasound diagnosis of abdominal organs;
• biopsy to exclude cirrhosis.

PCR will confirm or disprove the presence of the RNA virus

Can hepatitis be cured?

Selection of therapeutic therapy is the task of the attending physician, self-medication can lead to serious consequences. On the question of how to treat hepatitis C, you will respond to the specialist after the results of the study.

Patients who have not yet been treated for hepatitis C are recommended a combination of the following drugs: pegylated interferon, ribavirin, a protease inhibitor( bocepprir, telaprevir).

Clinical studies show that if there is no effect after the use of interferon and ribavirin, as well as in the presence of cirrhosis and fibrosis, such treatment regimens for hepatitis C: Daklatasvir + Asunaprevir( for three months), Daklatasvir + Sofosbuvir( within 12 weeks).

Hepatitis C genotype 1 is a long-term pathological process, the insidiousness of which is associated with a long asymptomatic course. The disease can cause liver cirrhosis and malignant neoplasms. Even lethal outcome is possible because of extrahepatic complications.

Treatment of hepatitis C with genotype 1 is not an easy task. The effectiveness of the treatment is affected by the age of the patient, the general condition of the body, race, the amount of the viral agent, the magnitude of the liver damage, and the complications.

There are cases of spontaneous disappearance of the virus. In ten to twenty percent of cases, recovery without treatment is observed. There are many cases when a person is a virus carrier. The causative agent of hepatitis does not cause harm to the body, but the person can be the source of infection.

Unfortunately, in seventy percent of cases, the disease becomes chronic. If you can achieve remission, a person can live a long time. Despite the fact that at the moment it is impossible to completely get rid of the RNA virus, early diagnosis and antiviral treatment will help to stop the development of the infection to prevent the development of dangerous complications. Complex therapy will help prolong life and improve its quality.