Hepatitis C virus: Promising discoveries and new treatments.
Despite advances in therapy, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important global health issue. It is estimated that a significant part of the world population is chronically infected with the virus, and many of those affected may develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. The virus shows considerable variability, a characteristic that directly interferes with disease treatment. The response to treatment varies according to HCV genotype and subtype. The continuous generation of variants (quasispecies) allows the virus to escape control by antivirals. Historically, the combination of ribavirin and interferon therapy has represented the only treatment option for the disease. Currently, several new treatment options are emerging and are available to a large part of the affected population. In addition, the search for new substances with antiviral activity against HCV continues, promising future improvements in treatment. Researchers should consider the mutation capacity of the virus and the other variables that affect treatment success.
Juliana Cristina Santiago Bastos, Marina Aiello Padilla, Leonardo Cardia Caserta, Clarice Weis Arns, Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
Juliana Cristina Santiago
JC
Bastos
Juliana Cristina Santiago Bastos, Marina Aiello Padilla, Leonardo Cardia Caserta, Clarice Weis Arns, Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
Marina Aiello
MA
Padilla
Juliana Cristina Santiago Bastos, Marina Aiello Padilla, Leonardo Cardia Caserta, Clarice Weis Arns, Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
Leonardo Cardia
LC
Caserta
Juliana Cristina Santiago Bastos, Marina Aiello Padilla, Leonardo Cardia Caserta, Clarice Weis Arns, Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
Noelle
N
Miotto
Juliana Cristina Santiago Bastos, Marina Aiello Padilla, Leonardo Cardia Caserta, Clarice Weis Arns, Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
Aline Gonzalez
AG
Vigani
Juliana Cristina Santiago Bastos, Marina Aiello Padilla, Leonardo Cardia Caserta, Clarice Weis Arns, Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
Clarice Weis
CW
Arns
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis; D008113:Liver Neoplasms; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012367:RNA, Viral; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000072230:Sustained Virologic Response; D019562:Viral Load
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D012367:RNA, Viral; D012254:Ribavirin
Antiviral research; Hepatitis C infection; Hepatitis C virus; Treatments