Discovery of the Hepatitis C Virus: Scientific Advances that Transformed the Diagnosis and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70409/rmhhut.v19i2.174Keywords:
antiviral, Hepatitis C virus disease, blood transfusionAbstract
Hepatitis C was a medical enigma for decades, particularly in the context of post-transfusion hepatitis classified as non-A, non-B hepatitis. The discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) represented a fundamental milestone in the history of modern medicine, enabling the identification of the leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Objective: To describe, from a historical perspective, the scientific process that led to the discovery of HCV and to analyze its impact on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the disease. Material and methods: A narrative review of primary historical sources and indexed scientific literature was conducted, highlighting the contributions of Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton, and Charles M. Rice. Results: These advances enabled the development of safe diagnostic methods and highly effective antiviral therapies, transforming a chronic and potentially fatal disease into a curable condition. Conclusion: The study of HCV represents a paradigmatic example of how biomedical research can change the course of global public health.
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