Diagnosis of hepatitis c today and interpretation of infection markers

Abstract

Viral hepatitis C is one of the most pressing global health issues. Infection caused by hepatitis C virus is often latent with minimal clinical manifestations, chracterized by high probability of chronization. Hepatitis C is often diagnosed incidentally; in many cases patients are underdiagnosed. Currently available serological (determining the spectrum of hepatitis C antibodies) and molecular tests (qualitative and quantitative detection of HCV RNA, genotyping) provide for early detection of HCV infection, defining the need for antiviral therapy, evaluation of its effectiveness and chances of achieving a sustained response to treatment. The problem of diagnosing latent hepatitis C is highlighted.

Keywords

• гепатит с
• вирус гепатита с
• антитела к вирусу гепатита с
• рнк вируса гепатита с
• генотип
• hepatitis c
• hepatitis c virus
• hepatitis c rna
• genotype