Molecular tools for the treatment of hepatitis C.
The treatment of chronic hepatitis C is aimed at eliminating viral replication in order to prevent further evolution towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Virological parameters include hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, qualitative viraemia, quantitative viral load and the characteristics of HCV quasi-species heterogeneity. These parameters can be used to predict and monitor the response to therapy, in order to help clinicians to tailor treatment of chronic hepatitis C and to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying HCV resistance to antiviral drugs. Current knowledge on these various issues is reviewed in the present article.
Pawlotsky
J M
JM
Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris XII, Créteil, France.
Gretch
D R
DR
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial / Q000235:genetics; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D019562:Viral Load; D014766:Viremia; D014779:Virus Replication
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012367:RNA, Viral; D012254:Ribavirin