Eradicating chronic Hepatitis C Viraemia : lessons learnt during the last decade

Abstract

Over the last decade a better understanding of the mechanism for immune disposal of hepatocytes infected with the Hepatitis C virus enabled the design of antiviral regimens with increasing efficacy. The poor rates of sustained viral clearance initially obtained with recombinant interferon (12%) have now improved to over 70 % with the use of a combination of pegylated interferon and the guanosine analogue ribavarine. The relatively poor response of genotype 1 strains to this regimen continues to challenge scientists and clinicians. This article reviews the theoretical and practical aspects of selection of patients for viral eradication, their management during treatment and subsequent follow-up.