What is a viral burden of hepatitis C?

viral burden of hepatitis C is a term regarding the amount of hepatitis virus of type C present in a given amount of body fluid, usually blood. Viral quantities are usually calculated in the equivalents of viral burden on Mililitr (EQ/ML). If the Hepatitis C virus is present, it is called "positive", while showing no virus called "negative". Positive results are measured on a progressive scale, with a general evaluation from "low" to "very high".

There is no unanimous agreement on what is low or high reading. However, the general guideline for the viral burden of hepatitis C is that reading 200,000 to 1,000,000 Ekv./ml is considered low. Reading between 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 Ekv./ml is considered to be a medium viral burden, while reading from 5,000,000 to 25,000,000 Ekv./ml is considered high and anything over 25,000,000 Ekv./ml is considered very high. Quantity showing less than 100 ekv./ml is considered negligible or negative hepatitis C.

vineThe burden of hepatitis C is a viral stress by two methods, a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR), or a deoxyribonucleic acid test (BDNA) with a branch chain. The PCR test is sensitive and can measure a minute amount - less than 100 ECV. Blood volume - virus present. The BDNA test measures a slight to very high amount of virus present in the blood.

It is important to ask your doctor about a specific type of test, because the test methods of hepatitis C differ and different factors can fluctuate viral loads. You want to be sure that the test method used is sufficiently sensitive to the detection of minute tracks of the virus. Tests may also have to be repeated to be certain of a positive or negative result of hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is one of the six types of hepatitis, a common liver infection. The liver is the main body organ with many functions, but is primarily responsible for the filtering harmiva or toxic substances from the bloodstream. Hepatitis C is caused by a virus and is primarily transmitted by contact with the blood of the infected person. It is marked by destruction of liver cells, necrosis of the liver tissue and possible failure of the affected organ if it is not treated.

While treatable, diagnosis of hepatitis C is difficult in the early stages of infection, as most people show several easily observable symptoms. You may be threatened by hepatitis C if you have contact with blood-strangers with other people, including intravenous drug use or unprotected sexual intercourse. If hepatitis is suspected, initial clinical tests may include the determination of hepatitis C viral stress. It is an import to know that viral burden is properly monitored and ensured the treatment of the disease.