Hepatitis C RNA

Hepatitis virus C (HCV) is a small, single-stranded, positive-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the genus Hepatitis C of the Flaviviridae family. The HCV genome is a long open reading frame (ORF) with 5 & prime; and 3 & prime; non-coding regions on both sides. Starting from the 5 & prime; end, the coding region is composed of 7 gene regions, namely C, E1, E2, NS1, NS2, NS3, NS4, and NS5, the C region encodes a nucleocapsid protein, and the E1 and E2 / NS1 regions encode envelope proteins. Envelope region genes are the most mutated parts of the genome. So far, almost no HCV-neutralizing antibodies can be detected in HCV-infected patients. This may be related to this, and it may also be a cause of HCV's persistent infection and chronic disease. NS2 to NS5 encode non-structural proteins, and some of these functions are unclear. NS3 encodes helical enzymes and proteases. NS3 protein is highly antigenic and the antibodies produced have important diagnostic value. NS5 encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Positive antibody to NS5 protein appears to be associated with viral activity. HCV laboratory testing can be used to detect viral RNA and antibodies.

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