Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are currently five known viruses that cause hepatitis (Microbiology, 10e). The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person; however, it is now more prevalent among intravenous drug users who share needles. Healthcare workers are also at risk of contracting HCV, but with standard precautions the risk is low. “Before 1992, some people acquired HCV infection following transfusions of blood or blood products. Since 1992, all blood products have been screened for HCV, and cases of HCV due to blood transfusion are now extremely rare. HCV can be transmitted from mother to unborn child. About 4 in 100 infants born to HCV-positive mothers are infected with the virus. A small number of cases are transmitted sexually; however, the lifetime risk of HCV transmission from an infected person to an uninfected spouse or sexual partner without condom use has been estimated to be between 1% and 4%. There have also been some outbreaks of HCV when instruments exposed to blood were reused without proper disinfection. (Microbiology, 10th)The HCV virus measures approximately 50 nm in diameter; it is classified as a distinct genus (Hepacivirus) within the family Flaviviridae. This is the virus that causes hepatitis C. This family of viruses all have ribonucleic acid (RNA) as their genetic material. “All hepatitis C viruses have an outer shell and contain enzymes and proteins that allow the virus to reproduce in cells in the body, in this case liver cells.” There are at least six strains of the hepatitis C virus, and they all have this structure but have different genotypes. These... middle of paper ......number of wafers. Depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and personality changes have also been noted as side effects of this treatment. But the most important side effect of ribavirin is hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells. Other side effects of ribavirin include coughing and some shortness of breath. There may also be rashes. There is also a risk of birth defects. Despite these reported side effects, the virus can be completely eradicated in many cases after treatment. Works Cited World Health Organization website (accessed November 16, 2011) http://www.who.int/csr/disease/hepatitisHepatitis C Support Project, (accessed November 27, 2011) http://www .hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Inf%20and%20Rib.pdfTortora, Funke, Case, (10th edition), Microbiology