liver cells.

component of many over-the-counter pain killers (such as Tylenol*) and cold medications. It reduces fever and sensitivity to pain.

short-term infection. Acute hepatitis C infection should resolve within 6 months of initial infection.

alanine aminotransferase. This is a type of enzyme normally found in the liver. When liver cells are injured this enzyme leaks into the blood. Therefore, persistently abnormal levels of this enzyme in the blood indicate that the liver may be inflamed or damaged.

nitrogen-containing molecules. Proteins, both in food and in human tissue, are made up of chains of various amino acids. There are 22 known amino acids and the sequence of these amino acids accounts for the distinctive characteristics of each protein.

in chemistry, a compound with a structure similar to that of another compound but differing from it with respect to certain components or structural makeup, which may have a similar or opposite action metabolically.

decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. This is measured as hemoglobin or red blood cell count.

a type of immune protein molecule that is produced when bacteria, a virus or a foreign protein substance, enters your body. A specific antibody is produced against each invader.

any substance that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. The hepatitis C virus is an example of an antigen.

a blood test which looks for and measures antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. A positive anti-HCV result does NOT indicate immunity to hepatitis C. Rather it indicates that you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus and likely still have the infection.