RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL-DRINKING AND VIRAL-INFECTIONS

Several epidemiological studies suggest that chronic alcoholics are at risk of viral infections. Clinical and basic research has demonstrate d that alcohol not only worsens the natural history of chronic viral h epatitis, but also seems to interact with the Viral replication cycle leading to an unusual serum virological profile and/or modification in the serum concentration of viral particles. infections with hepatitis B and C viruses are a major risk for the development of hepatocellula r carcinoma in excessive drinkers who should he protected against thes e viruses.