Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Haas, I.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Hepatitis C Virus
[ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2004.
- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Baumann Gabriele
- Kessler Harald
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a global health problem. It is currently estimated, that up to 200 million people may be infected with this virus worldwide [WHO press release 1998; Koop, 1998]. HCV is considered to be the most important agent of post-transfusion and community-acquired non-A, non-B hepatitis [Choo et al., 1990]. Today, HCV is mainly transmitted through intravenous drug use, whereas sexual, household, occupational exposures are considered to be minor risk factors [Alter et al., 1990; Kessler, 1995]. In Europe, there are 8-10 million HCV-infected patients; in the united States, there are about 4 million HCV-infected patients, at least 20% of whom are expected to eventually develop liver cirrhosis [national Institutes of health Consensus Development Conference Panel Statement: Management of Hepatitis C]. Of these, approximately 25% will die from hepatic failure of require liver transplantation [Alberti, 1991]. The progression of hepatitis C to clinically significant disease is known to be slow, usually taking at least a decade to progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.