[Pathogenesis, therapy, prevention and prognosis in chronic viral hepatitis]

The paper deals with the pathogenesis, therapy, prophylaxis and prognosis of three chronic viral hepatitides type B, C and Delta. The immunologic and virological processes that play a role in the development of chronicity or progression, furthermore, factors influencing the therapeutic responses are discussed in details. Until now various antiviral and immunomodulatory agents were administered in chronic type B hepatitis, recently the most promising results were reported using recombinant interferons. The importance of the prevention, with special regard to the vaccination with HBsAg-vaccine is briefly summarized. The treatment and prophylaxis of chronic type C hepatitis is not resolved yet, interferon may be effective only a part of cases. The therapy of Delta virus related chronic hepatitis means a major problem as well.