Language: English
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Page: 148-154
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The global impact of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is huge. It is estimated that nearly 170 million people are infected with HCV around the world and that it is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. The condition progresses in 80% of the cases despite significant cellular and antibody mediated immune responses, and evolves into a chronic disease. The natural course of the disease leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma after an asymptomatic period that can last as long as two or three decades.