HepSAY

How Hep C Hides from the Immune System

James MorrisonSeptember 1, 2023September 8, 20232023 Springhepatitis hepatitis C immune system researchLeave a comment

Danish scientists have solved the question of how the hepatitis C virus (HCV) hides in humans. With a new method for examining virus samples, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have solved a long-standing mystery about how the virus avoids the human body’s immune defence system. The result may have an impact on how we track and treat viral diseases in general. The study has just been published in the scientific journal Nature.

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The Weakest Link

Cecilia LimMarch 14, 2023March 14, 2023Uncategorisedalcohol and other drugs blood borne virus harm reduction harm reduction in prisons hepatitis injecting drug prison healthLeave a comment

Australian policy makers must act to reduce the spread of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) in prisons or we won’t be able to achieve critical public health goals like eliminating hepatitis C. This was the call in a consensus statement released by the Harm Reduction in Prisons Working Group.

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Liver Self-Repair

Hepatitis SAFebruary 27, 2023February 20, 2023Uncategorisedhepatitis liver disease liver health liver regenerationLeave a comment

Prof. Satdarshan Singh Monga discusses his team’s investigation into liver regeneration as an alternative to waiting for a transplant

The liver is known for its ability to regenerate (see last issue’s cover story for more information). It can completely regrow itself even after two-thirds of its mass has been surgically removed. But damage from medications, alcohol abuse or obesity can eventually cause the liver to fail. Currently, the only effective treatment for end-stage liver disease is transplantation.

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Hepatitis and Children: Part 1 – The Mystery

James MorrisonMay 28, 2022July 19, 2022Uncategorisedchildren hepatitisLeave a comment

An unusual, and probably new, form of hepatitis has appeared in a number of countries this year, first being noticed in the UK, then spreading to Spain and the Netherlands and on to at least 35 other states and territories including the USA. The first group of active cases were found in March with the latest case numbers estimated at over 1000 and 22 deaths. Unusually, and alarmingly, all of the known cases have been in children. A number have required transfer to specialist children’s liver units, with a number needing lifesaving liver transplants.

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Talk to a Nurse

James MorrisonAugust 6, 2019August 7, 2019Uncategorisedhepatitis hepatitis B hepatitis C hepatitis C treatment liver disease liver nurses nursesLeave a comment

South Australia’s Viral Hepatitis Nurses are clinical practice consultants who work with patients in the community, general practice or hospital setting. They provide a link between public hospital specialist services and general practice, and give specialised support to general practitioners (GPs) to assist in the management of patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

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Having a Hard Time? – Try a little kindness

Rose MDecember 24, 2018December 24, 2018Uncategorisedemotional health health hepatitis mental health self-compassionLeave a comment

Living with viral hepatitis can be really tough and for some, it might seem even tougher when the holiday season rolls around. Some of the negative aspects or experiences that people have shared with us over the years include uncertainty over their health outcomes, fatigue, dealing with disclosure.

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