Recent advances in viral hepatitis.
In the space of one decade we have come to understand the mode of replication of the hepatitis B virus and something of the mechanisms by which it produces liver cell damage and primary liver cell cancer. Although several drugs have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the replication of this virus, none are completely satisfactory. Our knowledge of the mode of replication of the virus now enables us to design new trials to selectively inhibit the enzymes involved in the replication of the virus. Although these advances will be of great benefit to the individual patient, clearly the problem is best dealt with, world-wide, by effective prophylaxis and the availability of a safe and effective vaccine now makes this possible. However, although the problems of Type B hepatitis infection are being overcome the problem of non-A, non-B hepatitis remains.
D000818:Animals; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000209:etiology; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D014779:Virus Replication
D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens