Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Treating chronic hepatitis C in general practice
1MBBS, PhD, FRACP, Staff Specialist, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA; Senior Lecturer, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is now achievable in general practice using safe and effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This approach expands patient access and supports Australia
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- General Practice Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant public health concern in Australia, contributing to considerable morbidity and mortality.
- Many individuals remain unaware of their HCV infection, hindering eradication efforts.
- The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offers a paradigm shift, enabling higher viral eradication rates and improved treatment accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidance on the utilization of pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment.
- To outline criteria for referring patients to specialist care when necessary.
Main Methods:
- This article focuses on the practical application of pan-genotypic DAAs in a general practice setting.
- It emphasizes the safety and tolerability of current DAAs, facilitating their use by general practitioners.
Main Results:
- General practice-based treatment of HCV with DAAs can significantly increase patient access to care.
- This decentralized model reduces the burden on specialist services (gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious diseases physicians).
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is feasible and highly effective in general practice using pan-genotypic DAAs.
- Expanding treatment into primary care settings is crucial for advancing HCV eradication goals in Australia and preventing advanced liver disease.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection continues to result in significant morbidity and mortality in Australia. Eradication of HCV remains a challenge, with many patients unaware of their infection. With the new era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), higher viral eradication rates are attainable, and access to treatment can be expanded by treating most patients with HCV in general practice, moving away from the traditional model of treatment by a gastroenterologist, hepatologist or infectious diseases physician. Currently available DAAs are pan-genotypic, well tolerated and safe; hence, HCV treatment can be easily undertaken in general practice.
Objective:
The aim of this article is to highlight how to use pan-genotypic DAAs and when to consider referral for a specialist opinion.
Discussion:
Most patients with HCV can be treated in general practice, increasing the number of patients who have access to treatment and hence reducing the likelihood of progression to advanced liver disease in these patients, as well as advancing progress towards HCV eradication in Australia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...

