The Hepatitis C virus : your part in its downfall : getting to know the virus and its host

Abstract

The cloning of the genome of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989 provided sensitive screening tools and specific diagnostic assays which helped health workers to limit viral spread and scientists to design effective anti-viral agents. The uncorrected intrinsic error rate of HCV's key replicating enzyme (RNAdependent RNA polymerase) leads to antigenically different'"quasispecies" which allow the virus to escape immune recognition by the host and leads to an ill-sustained clearance of virus by T lymphocytes. This article discusses the factors which may lead to progressive liver fibrosis and provides a theoretical framework for the selection of patients for viral eradication using pegylated preparations of recombinant interferon in conjunction with the oral antiviral ribavarine.