RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN VIRAL-HEPATITIS

Our understanding of viral hepatitis becomes greater with time. The ub iquitous hepatitis A virus could soon become obsolete with advances in the development of new vaccines. Hepatitis B is well characterized by its serologic markers and the potential role of the polymerase chain reaction. Its presentation and prognosis can be influenced by the deve lopment of cirrhosis, concurrent immunocompromised states, and age. Th e transmission, diagnosis, and long-term prognosis of chronic hepatiti s C is becoming less cryptic and more defined with the help of more se nsitive and specific testing methods and continued patient follow-up. Close associations to hepatitis C are being established with many othe r disease states. Hepatitis D and its relationship to hepatitis B are defined. Finally, an overview of the developing characterization of he patitis E is also presented.