Chapter 49

Chronic hepatitis C

Hugo E. Vargas

Hugo E. Vargas

Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

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Andrew W. Tai

Andrew W. Tai

University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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First published: 25 February 2022

Summary

This chapter offers diverse images that provide an overview on chronic hepatitis C and aims to provide a synopsis through pictures and illustrations rather than through text. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Hepacivirus in the family Flaviridae. HCV infects hepatocytes, leading in many chronically infected individuals to a typical histopathological pattern of a mononuclear portal tract infiltrate with interface hepatitis. The chapter also summarizes diagnostic tests for HCV infection, including anti-HCV antibody testing, HCV RNA testing, and HCV genotyping. Several classes of direct-acting antiviral drugs targeting viral proteins have led to interferon-free regimens for the treatment of most chronically infected patients.

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