Chronic viral hepatitis is discussed here in a multidisciplinary approach. The editors' goal was to assemble contributions from clinicians, laboratory physicians, epidemiologists, pathologists, and molecular biologists to provide a synopsis of all the important aspects of this disease. A key element in the chronic evolution of viral hepatitis is the persistent coexistence of a cytotoxic immune response and viral gene expression which is discussed in eleven articles on immune pathogenesis. The oncogenicity of hepatitis B virus at the molecular level and of hepatitis C virus at the...

Chronic viral hepatitis remains one of the major medical problems worldwide. Neither a cure nor eradication of this disease is in sight. The chronic disease caused by hepatitis viruses type B, C and D is a much greater problem than the acute disease caused by the same viruses or by hepatitis viruses type A and E. Chronic viral hepatitis often remains unrecognized until the patient develops decompensated liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, unrecognized chronic virus carriers are a persistent source of infection by sexual and other close contacts as well as during many...