Hepatitis C: an update

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. While current ther apeutic options for hepatitis C are limited, recent progress in the underst anding of the biology of HCV led to the identification of novel targets for antiviral intervention. In addition, molecular and immunotherapeutic strat egies to inhibit HCV replication or gene expression and to enhance the cell ular immune response against HCV are being explored. These and other novel antiviral strategies may eventually complement existing therapeutic modalit ies. were, we briefly review current concepts of the epidemiology, molecula r virology, pathogenesis, natural history, diagnosis, therapy and preventio n of hepatitis C.