Preliminary screening of hepatitis C virus in pregnant females and their neonates

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Hepatitis C virus is a spherical, enveloped, single stranded RNA virus.( I ) Six major HCV genotypes and more than 90 subtypes have been identified based on molecular relatedness.(2) Genotype 1,2 &3 have a worldwide distribution, while genotype 4,5&6 are localized to specific geographic location.(3)
In Egypt, HCV is a major cause of liver disease & leading cause of death, with an estimated HCV infection rate of 15% to 20%. Egypt has a higher incidence of HCV infection than any other country in the world.(4) Most Egyptian cases of HCV are due to genotype S, which is uncommon in the west. (5)
Diagnosis of HCV infection involves the presence of the virus and assessment of the severity of liver infection. The diagnosis workup should include investigations that may help to predict prognosis and response to treatment. Diagnosis of chronic HCV infection based upon the presence of elevated serum aminotransferase and anti-HCV antibodies or the presence of HCV RNA in the serum. The disease is said to be chronic if amniotransferases were elevated for more than 6 months or the liver biopsy shows chronic pathological changes of hepatitis.(6)

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