The Genetic and Molecular Studies of Hepatitis C Virus: A Review

Abstract

The role of Hepatitis viruses, particularly Hepatitis c virus (HCV) as human pathogen and their transmission have been of interest over the years. The virus is a small (55-65nm in size), included
in Group IV, enveloped, positive sense, single stranded RNA virus, the family Flaviviridae, genus Hepacivirus, and Hepatitis c virus type species. Based on genetic differences between HCV isolates, the virus species is classified into six genotypes (1-6) with several subtypes within each genotype (represented by letters). Persistent infection with Hepatitis c virus (HCV) has emerged as one of the primary causes of chronic liver disease with an estimated 170 million people infected by HCV, more than 4 times the number of people living with HIV throughout the world. The present review looks at the genetic and molecular nature of this virus with the view to provide more information about its biology which may be useful to the present and feature researchers.

Key words: Hepatitis c virus, biology, genome, chronic, liver, disease