Q: Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of HCV-infected individuals who develop cirrhosis and the total number of chronically infected individuals, given that approximately 25% develop cirrhosis?

$N_{cirrhosis} = 0.25 \times N_{chronic}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the genome of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)?

Accepted Answer

Single stranded RNA with positive polarity

Question 2

Which HCV protein is responsible for forming the viral capsid?

Accepted Answer

Core

Question 3

What is the primary function of the NS5B protein in the HCV life cycle?

Accepted Answer

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity

Question 4

Which of the following is a major reason why 80% of HCV-infected individuals globally do not have access to antiviral drugs?

Accepted Answer

Exorbitant costs

Question 5

Which of the following HCV proteins acts as a serine protease and is a target for direct-acting antivirals?

Accepted Answer

NS3

Question 6

A patient with chronic HCV develops jaundice, ascites, and spider naevi. Which stage of liver disease is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why HCV can evade the host immune system?

Accepted Answer

It is shielded by lipoproteins, concealing viral antigens

Question 8

What is the estimated percentage of HCV-infected individuals who spontaneously resolve their infection?

Accepted Answer

20%

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a known extrahepatic manifestation of chronic HCV infection?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary fibrosis

Question 10

A new antiviral drug is found to inhibit the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of HCV. Which viral protein is most likely targeted?

Accepted Answer

NS5B

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the main goal of combination antiviral therapy for HCV?

Accepted Answer

To inhibit different stages of the viral life cycle and prevent drug resistance

Question 12

Which of the following cell types is NOT known to be infected by HCV?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophils

Question 13

Which of the following is a low-risk mode of HCV transmission?

Accepted Answer

Sexual transmission

Question 14

A patient with chronic HCV is treated with a combination of pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. What is the main mechanism of action of IFN-α in this context?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of host innate immune response

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why some individuals spontaneously clear HCV infection?

Accepted Answer

Strong, broad, and durable HCV-specific adaptive immune response

Question 16

Which of the following statements about HCV vaccine development is correct?

Accepted Answer

No current safe, effective, and affordable vaccine exists, but mRNA-based vaccines are being evaluated

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of HCV-infected individuals who develop cirrhosis and the total number of chronically infected individuals, given that approximately 25% develop cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

$N_{cirrhosis} = 0.25 	imes N_{chronic}$

Question 18

Which of the following is a key reason for the persistence and chronicity of HCV infection?

Accepted Answer

Limited activation of CD8 T and B cells by CD4 T cells

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the NS4B protein in the HCV life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Orchestrates the replication complex and formation of the membranous web

Question 20

A patient who previously cleared HCV infection is re-exposed to the virus. Which of the following best describes the expected immune response?

Accepted Answer

Rapid activation and proliferation of memory CD4 & CD8 T cells and B cells

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Structure, Life Cycle, Immunity, and Therapeutics

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards