Pathogenesis, Natural History, Treatment, and Prevention of Hepatitis C

Pathogenesis, Natural History, Treatment, and Prevention of Hepatitis C

An edited summary of a Clinical Staff Conference held on 31 March 1999 at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Abstract

Approximately 4 million persons in the United States and probably more than 100 million persons worldwide are infected with hepatitis C virus. The virus has the unique ability to cause persistent infection in susceptible hosts after parenteral or percutaneous transmission, and its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The immunologic correlates of protection and viral clearance and the pathogenesis of liver injury are yet to be defined, but recent studies suggest the importance of cell-mediated immune responses. Although 70% to 80% of infected persons become chronic carriers, most have relatively mild disease with slow progression. However, chronic and progressive hepatitis C carries significant morbidity and mortality and is a major cause of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer. Development of an effective hepatitis C virus vaccine is not imminent, but recent advances in technology and basic knowledge of molecular virology and immunology have engendered novel approaches to the fundamental problems encountered in vaccine development. Current therapy for hepatitis C, although effective in some patients, is problematic and still evolving. Advances in modern biology and immunology promise new therapies for this important disease.

Article and Author Information

Authors who wish to cite a section of the conference and specifically indicate its author may use this example for the form of the reference: Rehermann B. Immunopathogenesis of hepatitis C. In: Liang TJ, moderator. Pathogenesis, natural history, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis C. Ann Intern Med. 2000; 132:297-299.
Requests for Single Reprints: T. Jake Liang, MD, Liver Diseases Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 9B16, Bethesda, MD 20892-1800.
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Current Author Addresses: Drs. Liang and Rehermann: Liver Diseases Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 9B16, Bethesda, MD 20892-1800.
Drs. Seeff and Hoofnagle: Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 9A23, Bethesda, MD 20892.