Extrahepatic Nasal Manifestations of Hepatitis C Virus

The nose is a competent immunological organ that reflects many of the cellular and molecular events seen in mucosal immunity. Viruses are major causative agents for respiratory tract infections in children and adults. Viruses induced rhinitis is usually of acute nature resulting in the common cold symptoms; rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, malaise and exacerbation of already existing airways disease. Among the viruses frequently infecting the human nose are the RNA virus such as coronavirus, rhinovirus, and the influenza/parainfluenza virus and the double-stranded DNA adenovirus. These viruses induce rhinitis (common cold and flu) by attaching themselves to the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses