Viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis accounts for most liver diseases seen in hepatology practice. In the past year studies have been focused on uncovering the basic mechanisms of viral-cellular interactions, the knowledge of which will contribute to more effective treatment. Hepatitis A virus outbreaks still occur, even in the most developed countries, which points to the need for more comprehensive vaccination measures. Lessons learned from the treatment of HIV with combination antiviral therapies are being applied to both chronic hepatitis B and C. Progress has been made toward better understanding of viral kinetics and the quasispecies of hepatitis C virus with new and more sensitive diagnostic methods. Several therapeutic protocols are emerging to identify and tailor the management approach in various subsets of the population. Although posttransplantation hepatitis B has been more effectively managed with lamivudine therapy, no major advances have been accomplished in the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C among transplant recipients. Major advances in the field of viral hepatitis including A to E and TT viruses during the past year are highlighted.