Updates on the treatment and outcomes of dual chronic hepatitis C and B virus infection.

ABSTRACT: Dual hepatitis C virus (HCV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is found in HBV or HCV endemic areas, and in specific populations exhibiting a high risk of parenteral viral transmission. Clinical observations have revealed that HCV/HBV dually infected patients demonstrate a higher risk of liver disease progression compared with HBV or HCV monoinfected patients. The viral activity responsible for liver disease progression can be determined by examining the viral loads of HCV and HBV and by conducting liver biopsy examinations. Recent trials have confirmed that the combination therapy of peginterferon alpha-2a or 2b and ribavirin for dual hepatitis patients with HCV dominance appears to be as effective and safe as it is in patients with HCV monoinfections. Strikingly, approximately 60% of dua

SUBMITTER: Liu CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3961993 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature