title: Natural history of hepatitis C virus infection.
abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common transmissible agent responsible for a significant proportion of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The natural history of acute HCV infection is characterized by a high rate of progression to persistent infection. The resulting chronic liver disease is dependent upon a delicate balance of host, viral and environmental factors which may significantly influence its clinical outcome.
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D018450:Disease Progression; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors