PATHOLOGY OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-INFECTION

This paper reviews our current knowledge of hepatitis C virus, its str ucture, epidemiology and pathological effects in man. The histopatholo gical features of acute and chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis C virus are detailed and illustrated. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms in volved in the liver injury are outlined and the significance of genoty pic subtypes of the virus and of host genetic predisposition in relati on to the liver injury and the response to therapy are summarized.