HEPATITIS C ANTIBODIES Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatitis C antibodies refer to specific proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to severe complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
When the HCV enters the body, the immune system recognizes it as foreign and initiates the production of antibodies as part of the defense mechanism. These antibodies are proteins designed to target and neutralize the virus, preventing its ability to replicate and spread throughout the body.
The presence of hepatitis C antibodies can be detected through laboratory tests, primarily using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or a more sensitive technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence of these antibodies in a blood sample indicates past or current exposure to the hepatitis C virus. However, it does not provide information on the current disease activity, the presence of ongoing infection, or the level of liver damage.
The detection of hepatitis C antibodies is the first step in diagnosing HCV infection, leading to further confirmatory tests such as HCV RNA testing to determine the viral load and assess the need for treatment. It is important to note that the presence of hepatitis C antibodies does not confer immunity to future HCV infections, as the virus can evade the immune response and cause reinfection. Effective treatment options, including antiviral medications, are available to manage and cure hepatitis C infections.
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