Context:
- WHO announced that Egypt had made “unprecedented progress” towards eliminating hepatitis C.
- Egypt has become the 1st country to achieve the “gold tier” status on the path to elimination of hepatitis C as per WHO criteria.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and noninfectious agents leading to a range of health problems.
About Hepatitis C:
- An inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.
- The virus has the potential to induce both short-term and long-lasting forms of hepatitis – mild ailment to a severe, lifelong condition that may lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
- Bloodborne virus – Infection occur through
- unsafe injection practices, unsafe health care,
- unscreened blood transfusions,
- injection drug use
- sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood.
- Global chronic hepatitis C virus infection – 58 million
- Direct-acting antiviral medicines (DAAs) can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis C infection.
- There is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C.
- The highest burden of disease is in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and European Region
Hepatitis Virus:
- 5 primary strains of the hepatitis virus – types A, B, C, D, and E.
- All result in liver disease – they exhibit significant distinctions in terms of transmission modes, illness severity, geographical prevalence, and prevention strategies.
- Types B and C are associated with the development of chronic conditions.
Source: The Hindu
Previous year question
Which one of the following statements is not correct? [2019]
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B. unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Hepatitis B is a viral illness that causes liver damage and is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted through blood and sexual contact. HBV is similar to HIV in terms of transmission. Although there are vaccines to prevent hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, and Recombivax HB are examples of Hepatitis B vaccines available. Some people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses may not show symptoms for several years. Viral hepatitis B and C are widespread, affecting 325 million people globally, resulting in approximately 1.4 million deaths annually. Hepatitis is nine times more prevalent than HIV.
