title: Hepatitis C: a concise review.
abstract: Chronic hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Current treatment options are limited, but recent progress in the understanding of the molecular virology of hepatitis C has led to the identification of novel targets for antiviral intervention. In addition, gene and immunotherapeutic strategies to inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication or gene expression and to enhance the cellular immune response against HCV are being explored. These and other novel antiviral strategies may eventually complement existing therapeutic modalities. Here, we briefly review current concepts of the epidemiology, molecular virology, pathogenesis, natural history, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of hepatitis C.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine II, University of Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Moradpour
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wölk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cerny
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Heim
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Blum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D014765:Viral Vaccines; D012254:Ribavirin