Hepatitis C. A clinical update.
Hepatitis C virus is now known to be the causative agent for at least 90% of non-A, non-B hepatitis cases. In the few years since its characterization, much has been learned about this virus and the scope of its disease. It now appears that close to 100% of infections may become chronic, with delayed but potentially devastating consequences. The treatment options for hepatitis C remain limited and less than satisfactory. A vaccine seems to be a distant goal, but other strategies for treatment may be closer. For now, the best option remains prevention.
Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA.
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Colquhoun
D002908:Chronic Disease; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D016898:Interferon-alpha