title: Hepatitis C update. New answers, new questions.
abstract: Currently available tests for infection with the hepatitis C virus detect the presence of antibodies against the virus. The value of these tests is limited, however, because the appearance of antibodies may be delayed and because there is a significant rate of false-positive results. Supplementary tests now being developed should greatly facilitate diagnosis of hepatitis C. Patients with chronic liver disease due to the hepatitis C virus can be treated with interferon alfa-2b (Intron A). This treatment should also be considered for patients with markedly elevated transaminase levels, evidence of significant histologic injury, or symptoms referable to the liver.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012723:Sex; D000637:Transaminases / Q000097:blood; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000637:Transaminases