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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
Published on: October 1, 2015
[Current status of acute hepatitis C]
María Martínez-Rebollar1, María Larrousse, Marta Calvo
1Servicio de Infecciones, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, España.
Insights
Acute hepatitis C (AHC) is rising, often asymptomatic and diagnosed late. Early antiviral treatment offers higher sustained viral response rates than for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Acute hepatitis C (AHC) presents a growing public health concern.
- Sexual transmission is increasing, particularly in HIV-infected homosexual individuals.
- AHC is frequently asymptomatic, hindering early diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To review the current understanding of acute hepatitis C.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment considerations.
Summary:
- Spontaneous viral clearance occurs in approximately 25% of cases within three months.
- Persistent detectable HCV-RNA after this period warrants prompt antiviral therapy.
- Optimal treatment regimens and duration for AHC remain under investigation.
Impact:
- Emphasizes the need for timely diagnosis and intervention in acute hepatitis C.
- Highlights the potential for higher treatment success in the acute phase compared to chronic infection.
- Underscores the ongoing need for research into optimal AHC treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Acute hepatitis C (AHC) is an increasing health issue. Despite the decline of blood-to-blood transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) through donor screening programs and a decline in intravenous drug use, the incidence of sexual transmission has now increased, particularly in HIV-infected homosexual patients. The presentation is almost always asymptomatic, which complicates diagnosis. Spontaneous clearance of the virus occurs in 25% of cases and usually, within the first three months after onset of symptoms and in symptomatic patients. If serum HCV-RNA remains detectable after this period, antiviral treatment should be started without delay, since sustained viral response rate in the acute phase is higher than that achieved with chronic liver disease. The optimal treatment regimen (interferon alone or combined with ribavirin) and its duration are not clearly established at the present time.
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