[Pandemic of hepatitis C virus infection].

UNLABELLED: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important human pathogen that causes hepatitis, advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis (CIH), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Especially the chronic form of hepatitis C (HC), with 55-85% of acute cases progressing to it, is a serious problem worldwide. HCV is a cause of the significant morbidity and mortality that are only expected to peak. An ongoing research of new therapeutic molecules for the treatment of HCV infection is a promise for a better future. The costs incurred are, however, high.

KEY WORDS: hepatitis C - genotypes - prevalence - risk groups - HCV-associated diseases.