Solving the mysteries of viral hepatitis

Raymond S. Koff
From: Science & Medicine: Volume 1 Number 1: Page 24 (April 1994)

Abstract: The agents that cause many cases of viral hepatitis were identified 20 years ago. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are now in general use, and interferon therapy has been effective in 40 to 50% of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Developing a hepatitis C vaccine is complicated by weak immunity and the high mutation rate of the virus. Hepatitis C also awaits a rapid method of identifying viremic patients and the development of highly effective treatments that produce sustained responses. The hepatitis E virus causes water-borne epidemics and sporadic cases in developing countries. this infection cannot so far be effectively prevented or treated.

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