CHRONIC HCV-INFECTION AS A PREDICTOR OF DISEASE SEVERITY (case study)

A global problem for humanity is the wide spread of HCV carriers worldwide. To address this, the WHO has developed a global strategy for the health sector to eliminate viral hepatitis and has set the following goals: to reduce the number of new cases of chronic hepatitis B and C by 90 % by 2030 as well as to reduce the quantity of death from these infections by 65 %. It is emphasized that the development of infectious or somatic disease on the background of chronic viral hepatitis requires a more careful approach and thorough medical correction, as their course and prognosis can be significantly aggravated. The case of viral hepatitis A, which occurred on a background of previously undiagnosed HCV infection and resulted in a death, has been described. Thus, previously undiagnosed HCV infection exacerbated the course of a self−eliminating disease, such as hepatitis A, and resulted in a death. Therefore, expanding the screening for viral hepatitis will allow identifying infected individuals and conducting antiviral therapy and preventive measures, which will reduce the incidence and mortality rates. Key words: viral hepatitis A, viral hepatitis C, chronic HCV−infection, diagnosis, treatment, outcome.