Molecular tools for the treatment of hepatitis C
Pawlotsky, J.M.; Gretch, D.R.
Antiviral Therapy 3(Suppl 3): 45-55
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1359-6535 PMID: 10726055 Document Number: 485849
The treatment of chronic hepatitis C is aimed at eliminating viral replication in order to prevent further evolution towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Virological parameters include hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, qualitative viraemia, quantitative viral load and the characteristics of HCV quasi-species heterogeneity. These parameters can be used to predict and monitor the response to therapy, in order to help clinicians to tailor treatment of chronic hepatitis C and to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying HCV resistance to antiviral drugs. Current knowledge on these various issues is reviewed in the present article.