Acute Hepatitis C: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver disease and mortality worldwide.
• The World Health Organization aims to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2030.
• Early HCV infection can lead to chronic disease in 50-70% of individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the early phase of HCV infection.
• To focus on risk factors, natural history, and treatment of recent HCV.
• To discuss the benefits of early treatment versus deferred treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on early HCV infection.
• Synthesis of data on risk factors and natural history.
• Analysis of therapeutic management strategies, including direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

Main Results:

• Early diagnosis and treatment of HCV can prevent chronic liver disease and complications.
• Treatment in the early phase is a valid and cost-effective strategy.
• Early intervention reduces ongoing transmission within key populations.

Conclusions:

• Early treatment of HCV is recommended to prevent chronicity and reduce liver-related mortality.
• DAA therapy in the early phase is effective and supported by cost-effectiveness analyses.
• Focusing on early HCV infection is critical for achieving global elimination targets.