title: Treatment of acute HCV infection.
abstract: In developed nations, the majority of new HCV infections are acquired by injection drug users. Acute HCV infection is generally asymptomatic and is followed by spontaneous viral clearance in approximately 25% of individuals. However, given the asymptomatic nature of infection and difficulties in identifying and following those at risk of acquiring infection, our knowledge of treatment for acute HCV infection has been hampered. Much of what is known about the timing, optimal regimen and duration of therapy comes from small, prospective, observational studies and randomized, controlled trials in selected populations. Furthermore, data on the treatment of acute HCV infection among injection drug users and patients co-infected with HCV and HIV are limited. Genetic testing for variations in IL28B may provide an additional diagnostic tool for the optimal management and treatment of acute HCV infection. This Review highlights current knowledge of the epidemiology, diagnosis, natural history and treatment of acute HCV infection, including proposed recommendations for the assessment and treatment of this infection.
authors.affiliation: Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, National Center in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Corner Boundary and West Streets, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia. jgrebely@nchecr.unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grebely
authors.forename: Gail V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: Gregory J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Dore
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents