An asymptomatic 35-year-old male Catholic missionary has returned to the United States following 12 years in rural Mexico. His routine physical examination shows elevated transaminases. His medical history in Mexico was unremarkable except for an auto accident requiring a blood transfusion of 3 pints of blood. What definitive lab test should be performed to determine what effective treatment should be prescribed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The man was infected with HCV during his blood transfusion. Molecular genotyping of circulating virions is necessary since effective treatment with $\alpha$-interferon and ribavirin occurs in only two genotypes (2 and 3) of the six genotypes.

An Asymptomatic 35-Year-Old Male Catholic Missionary Has Returned to the United