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Hepatitis C virus: an overview.
1John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Manoa.
Hawaii Medical Journal
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Researchers discovered the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), an RNA virus related to Flavivirus, which causes most post-transfusion Non-A Non-B Hepatitis (NANB). This 1988 discovery concluded a 15-year search for the elusive infectious agent.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) posed a significant clinical challenge.
- Non-A Non-B Hepatitis (NANB) was a major cause of PTH, with its causative agent unidentified for years.
- A 15-year research effort was dedicated to identifying the NANB agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary infectious agent responsible for the majority of Non-A Non-B Hepatitis (NANB) in post-transfusion settings.
- To characterize the newly discovered viral agent.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative research involving Chiron Research Laboratory, NIH, and CDC.
- Long-term investigation and agent discovery efforts.
Main Results:
- Identification of an RNA virus closely related to Flavivirus as the causative agent for most NANB hepatitis.
- The newly discovered agent was named Hepatitis C (HCV).
Conclusions:
- The discovery of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) provided a definitive explanation for the majority of post-transfusion Non-A Non-B Hepatitis.
- This finding marked a significant breakthrough in understanding and potentially managing transfusion-transmitted viral hepatitis.