Global epidemiology and burden of hepatitis C.
Despite rapid progress in our knowledge of hepatitis C virology and pathogenesis, little is known about the current and future burden of this infection throughout the world. Prevalence and population-based studies have suggested that complications of the liver disease associated with chronic hepatitis C infection may potentially require substantial health care resources and generate very high costs for medical systems in the United States, Europe and worldwide. Careful understanding and assessment of hepatitis C health and economic burdens are likely to guide better programs for the management of infected individuals and the prevention of complications.
Ray Kim
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Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. kim.wong@mayo.edu
D014943:Global Health; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health