Illustration showing HCV (hepatitis C virus)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small, enveloped, positive sense, single strand RNA virus (size 50 nm - family Flaviviridae). The structure consists of a core of RNA genetic material, surrounded by an icosahedral protective shell of protein, and further encased in a fatty envelope of cellular origin. Two viral envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, are embedded in the lipid envelope. Although Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis B virus, and Hepatitis C virus have similar names (because they all cause liver inflammation), these are distinctly different viruses both genetically and clinically.
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