Micro & Immunology · patient case question
What type of genome does the hepatitis C virus carry?
Patient case: Patient with a history of hepatitis C
Patient: 48-year-old man.
Chief complaint: Worn-down back teeth and jaw soreness in the mornings.
History: Hepatitis C diagnosed eight years ago, currently under hepatology follow-up. Reports morning jaw fatigue and has been told he grinds his teeth.
Findings: Generalized attrition with flattened cusps. Hypertrophy of the masticatory musculature bilaterally. No mucosal lesions.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Single-stranded RNA
- A. CORRECT. Hepatitis C is a Flaviviridae virus with a positive-sense SINGLE-STRANDED RNA genome. Its high mutation rate and multiple genotypes are why no vaccine exists, in contrast to hepatitis B.
- B. Double-stranded RNA describes rotavirus.
- C. Single-stranded DNA viruses include parvovirus B19.
- D. Hepatitis B is the partially DOUBLE-STRANDED DNA hepatitis virus — a useful contrast point, since HBV is vaccine-preventable and HCV is not.
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