Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae, genus Hepacivirus, which results in chronic infection in the majority of those infected and is a leading cause of chronic viral hepatitis resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Globally, HCV is responsible for roughly 70 million chronic infections and displays tremendous genetic diversity with grouping into 7 recognized genotypes. Infection is most commonly acquired via intravenous drug use or unsafe medical injections. Although acute infection is often asymptomatic, chronic infection may result in hepatic inflammation with progressive fibrosis leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. Since its discovery in 1989, tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of the virus life cycle culminating in the advent of highly effective antiviral therapy. Oral antiviral treatment regimens administered for 2 to 3 months are well tolerated and result in cure for >95% of infected persons. Effective therapy results in significant decreases in both liver-related and all-cause mortality in persons with HCV infection. Advances in treatment of HCV have spurred a global discussion of HCV elimination with a timeline set forth by the World Health Organization. However, before such goals can be realized, improved screening, linkage to care, and access to therapy must be achieved. An HCV vaccine remains elusive and is an active area of investigation.
