Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the most common viral hepatitis. According to epidemiological investigation report, China has 120 million population carry hepatitis B virus, the existing 30 million patients with chronic hepatitis. The number of hepatitis C infection 38 million, of which 50% is still carrying the virus.

As the reproduction of the virus caused inflammation of the liver cells and the emergence of various types of clinical symptoms of the underlying causes of liver and therefore anti-virus treatment is the most important key to the treatment of hepatitis, which has been recognized and accepted by the medical experts and the people. But these two specific anti-viral therapy for hepatitis awareness, there is still misunderstanding. Many people think that infected with the hepatitis B virus after the need for anti-virus treatment for hepatitis C patients If liver function is normal and do not need medical treatment.

In China, hepatitis B virus infections, the majority through mother-to-child transmission of infection or vertical transmission. or in early infancy (four years ago) infection, and they are the main source of chronic hepatitis carriers, For quite a long period of time instead of the normal liver function can be liver damage. This is because patients on the liver infection scavenging immune cells did not occur, therefore, medically known as immune tolerance. Hence, both parties in a "peaceful coexistence" state.

Of these patients, if they can strengthen their observations, periodic review, rather than receiving antiretroviral treatment. Once found to have symptoms of liver function fluctuations. and the hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) was positive, the patient immune clearance phase. should receive antiretroviral treatment.

Due to liver damage caused by hepatitis B virus is stimulating the human immune response, remove infected with the virus in the liver cells, but also damage the liver. Instead, the hepatitis C virus was mainly a direct role in the liver, liver cell damage. Treatment of hepatitis C to eliminate the hepatitis C virus is crucial. Because hepatitis C virus infection, the virus in the liver occult activities, the immune system difficult to detect and eradicated. infection is difficult to restore.

Concealment of liver damage due to hepatitis C virus. The number of hepatitis C virus infection in liver function tests were normal, and they are easily missed.

With the symptoms of hepatitis C may not be clear, so that people neglect health care, treatment is often delayed. Once infected with hepatitis C virus should be attached to the post, into significantly higher than the incidence of hepatitis B virus in chronic hepatitis. 50%-85% infected with HCV will develop chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the course faster than it normally develop advanced liver disease for 10-30 years. and hepatitis B for 30-40 years. Therefore, at present, the medical profession that if confirmed infected with the hepatitis C virus, regardless of whether or not normal liver function. As long as there is virus replication, are suitable for anti-virus treatment.

March of this year by the Chinese Medical Association launched the "Guide to Prevention of hepatitis C" recommendations hepatitis C patients Pegasys and Ribavirin treatment can achieve better results. Shanghai Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Professor Shan-Ming Wu said : "61% of the patients after treatment was effective in the control of persistent hepatitis C virus. 99% of the patients at the end of four years later, with still no discovery of the virus. is the best hope for curing hepatitis C treatment. "

This article was posted on 2007-02-27