Hepatitis C: cure now possible

A long silent virus

HCV often infects the liver asymptomatically, progressing to cirrhosis or liver cancer after 20-30 years. Transmission is mainly blood-borne (IV drug use, old transfusions, poorly sterilized equipment).

Expanded screening

health authorities recommends universal screening at least once in a lifetime for adults. Simple serological test (anti-HCV), confirmed by PCR.

Revolutionary treatment

Direct-acting antivirals (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) in 8 to 12 weeks cure more than 95% of patients, all genotypes combined, with very few side effects.

After cure

Liver monitoring if advanced fibrosis (persistent risk of hepatocellular carcinoma). No immunity: possible reinfection in case of new exposure.