Hepatitis C Differential Diagnosis Table

Hepatitis C Differential Diagnosis Table:

This is an infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis C virus mostly contracted by exposure to blood from unsafe injection practices, unscreened blood transfusions, and unsafe healthcare practices that lead to exposure of blood. It mainly involves inflammation of the liver.
The disease can either be chronic or acute depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease. Symptoms of hepatitis C don’t always present immediately but can take about 2-3 weeks to start presenting. Some of the symptoms might include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice, joint pain, and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis is done by testing for anti-HCV antibodies using serological tests then a nucleic acid test for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) is done to confirm the chronicity of the Hep C so as to initiate treatment. An ultrasound or biopsy can be done to determine the extent of liver damage. Antiviral medications are usually given as part of the medications.

How To Distinguish Hepatitis C from Other Conditions

Distinguish Hepatitis B from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is an infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis B virus. It can also be acute or chronic but most people usually experience acute Hep B which lasts less than six months.

• Hepatitis B is caused by Hep B virus while Hepatitis C is caused by Hep C virus.
• Hepatitis B is spread through bodily fluids while Hepatitis C is spread through blood.
• Hepatitis B has a vaccine while Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine.

Distinguish Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is a condition where there is a buildup of excess fats in the liver without possible damage to the liver. Usually, there is always little or no alcohol intake.

• Hepatitis C is usually caused by HCV Virus while NAFLD is usually just the buildup of fats in the liver.
• Ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan are usually used to diagnose liver damage therefore distinguishing the two.

Distinguish Alcoholic Liver Disease from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This involves damage to the liver usually due to excessive alcohol intake into the body. It’s usually of 3 types, namely fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

• Hepatitis C is not always associated with alcohol intake but HCV virus.
• Diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease is done through serum aspartate aminotransferase.

The condition is reversible.

Distinguish Hepatitis A from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is an infection or rather inflammation of the liver usually caused by Hep A Virus (HAV).

• Unlike hepatitis C, it is mostly acute but can cause chronic liver damage.
• Hepatitis A is short-lived.
• Has a vaccine.

Distinguish Liver Cirrhosis from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is permanent liver scarring or fibrosis due to long-term liver damage thereby affecting its normal functionality.
It can be caused by both hepatitis A, B, or C infections.

Distinguish Autoimmune Hepatitis from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is where the body’s own immune system attacks the liver causing inflammation. They are of two types namely Type 1 and Type 2.

• Diagnosis is done by testing for antibodies in the body.
• In autoimmune hepatitis, the body’s immune cells attack its own liver cells while in Hepatitis C it is caused by HCV.

Distinguish Wilson’s Disease from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is a genetic disorder which reduces the body’s ability to get rid of copper leading to a buildup of copper in the body.

• The condition not only affects the liver but also other organs like the brain while Hepatitis C affects the liver.
• Hepatitis C is a viral infection while Wilson’s disease is a genetic condition.

Distinguish Hepatitis E from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is a liver disease caused by HEV which is mostly found in the stool of an infected person.

• Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through body fluids while Hepatitis E is mainly transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food.
• Hepatitis C is caused by HCV while Hepatitis E is caused by HEV.
• Hepatitis C has a longer incubation period than Hepatitis E.

Distinguish Hemochromatosis from Hepatitis C – Diagnosis

This is a genetic condition where excess iron builds up in the body organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas.

• Hemochromatosis can affect any organ in the body while Hepatitis C is limited to the liver.
• Hemochromatosis is basically caused by the buildup of iron in body organs while Hepatitis C is caused by HCV.

Important Red Flags with Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C has no vaccine.
Hepatitis C can be transmitted through body fluids or coming into contact with injections from an infected person.
Hepatitis C also has symptoms similar to those of other forms of Hepatitis, therefore, a thorough physical examination and serological testing can help diagnose the different types of Hepatitis.