Evolving epidemiology of hepatitis C virus

Abstract

More than 20 years after the discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), it is now well established that HCV is of global importance affecting all countries, leading to a major global health problem that requires widespread active interventions for its prevention and control. Chronic hepatitis C was linked to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in many areas of the world. Current epidemiological assessments have identified complex patterns with highly variable local prevalence rates between countries and within countries. HCV infection patterns have not significantly changed in most parts of the world since 1997, when first analyzed, partly due to the lack of new and more accurate data. The assessment of the national HCV prevalence and transmission modes should be completed to enable national authorities to prioritize preventive measures and to make the most appropriate use of available resources. The 'patchy' epidemiological situation in some areas will continue to complicate the task of the establishment of global, regional and national base line data. The present assessment finds a global prevalence of 2.35%, affecting 160 million chronically infected individuals. There is an urgent need for more accurate Information on the costs and burden of HCV to society. Twenty-one year after the discovery of HCV, the assessment is far from being complete and little progress has been made in the past 10 years in many countries. In some countries significant increases have been reported and this may also apply to countries were insufficient data exist. A safe and efficient vaccine against HCV is urgently needed.

Entry and replication of recombinant hepatitis C viruses in cell culture

“…The virus responsible for this disease, later called hepatitis C virus (HCV), currently infects chronically around 160 million people worldwide [2]. These are at risk of developing serious liver disease including hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and ultimately hepatocarcinoma [3].…”

Molecular study of HCV detection, genotypes and their routes of transmission in North West Frontier Province, Pakistan

“…Contents lists available at ScienceDirect barbers, use of unsterilized needles for ear and nose piercing and use of unsterilized surgical instruments are the key factors of HCV transmission in Pakistan [12,15] . Worldwide, there are about 170 million people being infected with HCV, and 3-4 million individuals are diagnosed as new cases every year.…”

“…Worldwide, there are about 170 million people being infected with HCV, and 3-4 million individuals are diagnosed as new cases every year. In Pakistan, 10 million people are presumed to have HCV, with 5% prevalence in the general population [15] . This number is going to increase with the passage of time due to the lack of awareness, resources and health care safety measures.…”

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desvenlafaxine for the treatment of interferon alfa-associated depression in patients with hepatitis C

“…Bruno Fá bregas, 1,2 Alexandre Moura, 1 Renata Á vila, 1 Ricardo Carmo, 1 Antô nio Lú cio Teixeira 2…”

“…1 The mainstay of treatment includes the use of pegylated interferon-a (peginterferon alfa). Interferon (IFN) therapy is frequently associated with psychiatric adverse events, such as depressive disorders, which occur in approximately 30% of patients.…”