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Hepatitis C: prevention and treatment
P J Dolan1, R M Skibba, R C Hagan
1University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita.
American Family Physician
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was identified in 1988, leading to new diagnostic tests and treatments. Blood screening for HCV significantly reduces transfusion risks, while alpha interferon offers therapeutic options for infected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B screening revealed non-A, non-B hepatitis as a major post-transfusion concern.
- The causative agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis remained unknown until 1988.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the identification of the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- To discuss the implications of HCV for public health and transfusion medicine.
Main Methods:
- Identification of the hepatitis C virus.
- Development and approval of an antibody assay for HCV detection.
Main Results:
- An estimated 150,000 new hepatitis C cases occur annually.
- Hepatitis C leads to chronic liver disease in 50% of cases and 15,000 new cirrhosis cases yearly.
- An HCV antibody assay was approved in 1990.
Conclusions:
- Widespread donor blood screening with the new assay is expected to decrease transfusion-associated hepatitis C.
- Alpha interferon therapy presents a potential treatment for existing hepatitis C infections, offering cure or palliation.