Natural history of hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common transmissible agent responsible for a significant proportion of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worlwide. The natural history of acute HCV infection is charaterized by a righ rate of progression to persistent infection. The resulting chronic liver disease is dependent upon a delicate balance of host, viral and environmental factors which may significantly influence its clinical outcome.