Antiviral agents (II). Hepatic viruses and viral hepatitis management

Abstract

Viral hepatitis are acute or chronic infections caused by viruses with liver tropism. Viral hepatitis’ profilaxy and treatment can prevent cirrhosis, end‑stage liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are currently available. Pre- and especially post-exposure hepatitis B prophylaxis is given by administration of anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin. The treatment of chronic hepatitis B is done with interferons or nucleoside/nucleotide analogues. Antivirals are sometimes given for long periods because the hepatitis B virus cannot be eradicated with currently existing medication. In contrast, recent therapeutic advances allow a sustained virological response in over 90% of treated patients. Currently, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is done with direct-acting antivirals, possibly associated with ribavirin, in most cases the administration of interferon being no longer necessary.