Hepatitis C virus: Is it time to say goodbye yet? Perspectives and challenges for the next decade.

ABSTRACT: The majority of individuals exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) establish a persistent infection, which is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Major progress has been made during the past twenty-five years in understanding the HCV life cycle and immune responses against HCV infection. Increasing evidence indicates that host genetic factors can significantly influence the outcome of HCV infection and the response to interferon alpha-based antiviral therapy. The arrival of highly effective and convenient treatment regimens for patients chronically infected with HCV has improved prospects for the eradication of HCV worldwide. Clinical trials are evaluating the best anti-viral drug combination, treatment doses and duration. The new treatments are be

SUBMITTER: Barth H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4404378 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature