Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract

The estimated 170 million carriers worldwide persistently infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) make a global health problem affecting a significant proportion of the world’s population. HCV infection poses a significant risk for progressive hepatic fibrosis, subsequent liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is estimated that 28% of cases of LC and 26% of cases of HCC are attributable to HCV. Interferon (IFN)-free oral regimens combining direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) available from 2014 have achieved remarkably high rates of HCV eradication. However, there is still a risk of HCC after eradicating HCV.