Title: The Proteinases Encoded by Hepatitis C Virus as Therapeutic Targets
Abstract: The hepatitis-C virus (HCV), first identified in 1989 (CHOO et al. 1989), is the leading causative agent of blood-borne and community-acquired non-A, non-B viral hepatitis (HOUGHTON 1996). According to the World Health Organization, more than 170 million people worldwide may be infected with HCV. The main route of transmission of HCV is parenteral; in the past, transfusion of blood and blood products were an important source of HCV transmission. The incidence of transfusion-associated infections has greatly diminished as a consequence of the development of reliable diagnostic assays and an effective screening of blood or blood products. Currently, the use of intravenous drugs and sexual transmission account for most HCV exposure (ALTER 1997). Up to 30% of patients have no obvious risk factors for infections, and these cases of hepatitis C are termed sporadic.
Publication Year: 2000
Publication Date: 2000-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 2
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