The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes inflammation of the liver.
Synonyms
Hepatitis C virus
Detailed description
The RNA virus infects human liver cells. Due to its high mutation rate, a lot of genetic variations exist. The WHO estimates that one percent of the world population is chronically infected with HCV. Transmission is mainly via contaminated blood and can happen in hospitals or through drug use. HCV infection can lead to liver cell carcinoma.
In chronic hepatitis B patients, a discontinuation of treatment can lead to cure: as scientists from the Hannover Medical School (MHH) have discovered. DZIF researcher Prof Markus Cornberg and his
The Heidelberg virologist Prof Ralf Bartenschlager will receive the Lasker Award in New York for his research on the hepatitis C virus. The prize, worth 250,000 US dollars, is considered the
DZIF scientists at the Heidelberg University Hospital developed a virus blocker against hepatitis B and D, which has been successful in two clinical trials
