Hepacivirus

Hepacivirus is a genus of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses in the family Flaviviridae. The hepatitis C virus (HCV), belonging to the species Hepacivirus C, has humans as its only known natural host, and is associated with hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The viruses belonging to this genus have been classified into 14 species - Hepacivirus A-N. A new virus has been isolated from the bamboo rat (Rhizomys pruinosus) while belonging to this genus does not appear to belong to any previously described species. Another unclassified virus in this taxon is duck hepacivirus-like virus. Viruses in the genus Hepacivirus are enveloped, with spherical geometries. The diameter is around 50 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 10kb in length. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral envelope protein E to host receptors, which mediates clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded rna virus transcription is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by viral initiation. Human serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are sexual, blood, and contact. Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is the causative agent of hepatitis C in humans, and a member of the species Hepacivirus C, was discovered in 1989. Seven genotypes (1-7) and eighty six subtypes (1a, 1b etc.) of hepatitis C virus have been named. GBV-B virus (also known as GB virus B) discovered in 1995 is capable of infecting New World monkeys, in particular tamarins. Like HCV it is transmitted by the blood-borne route and similar to HCV it is associated with the viral hepatitis. However GBV-B has never been identified in wild animals and its natural host is not known.