Hepatitis C virus: Virology, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

More than twenty years of study has provided a better understanding of hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle, including the general properties of viral RNA and proteins. This effort facilitates the development of sensitive diagnostic tools and effective antiviral treatments. At present, serologic screening test is recommended to perform on individuals in the high risk groups and nucleic acid tests are recommended to confirm the active HCV infections. Quantization and genotyping of HCV RNAs are important to determine the optimal duration of anti-viral therapy and predict the likelihood of response. In the early 2000s, pegylated interferon plus ribavirin became the standard anti-HCV treatment. However, this therapy is not ideal. To 2014, boceprevir, telaprevir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir and Harvoni are approved by Food and Drug Administration for the treat of HCV infections. It is likely that the new all-oral, interferon-free, pan-genotyping anti-HCV therapy will be available within the next few years. Majority of HCV infections will be cured by these antiviral treatments. However, not all patients are expected to be cured due to viral resistance and the high cost of antiviral treatments. Thus, an efficient prophylactic vaccine will be the next challenge in the fight against HCV infection. Core tip: Understanding the general properties of hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral RNA and proteins facilitates the development of sensitive diagnostic tools and effective antiviral treatments. At present, serologic screening test is recommended to perform on individuals in the high risk groups and nucleic acid tests are recommended to confirm the active HCV infections. To 2014, in addition to pegylated interferon and ribavirin, boceprevir, telaprevir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir and Harvoni are approved by Food and Drug Administration to treat HCV infections. The majority of HCV infections can be cured by these anti-viral treatments. An efficient prophylactic vaccine will be the next challenge in the fight against HCV infection. REVIEWSubmit a

Evaluation Of An Enzyme Immunoassay For Hepatitis C Virus Core Antigen As A Diagnostic Test For Detection Of Hepatitis C Virus Infection In Comparison To Real-Time RT-PCR

“…HCV infection is a global problem affecting more than 170 million people worldwide (Li and Lo, 2015). The WHO estimates that 3% of the world's populations is infected (World Health Organization, 2009).…”

“…More than 170 million people worldwide are estimated to be infected, and about 20 % are chronically ill and at risk for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer (Li and Lo, 2015). Furthermore, the frequency of patients with HCV complications is expected within the next 20 years resulting in increased liver transplants (Rosen, 2011).…”

Screening for Hepatitis B and C in Occupational Settings: Cross-Sectional Study about 4268 Corporates Agents in Côte d’Ivoire

“…A control at three months or even at six months is necessary to affirm the serological healing [15].…”

The Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Mazandaran Province, Iran

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