Diagnosis and monitoring of HCV infection using the cobas ® HCV test for use on the cobas® 6800/8800 systems

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant threat to global public health. Worldwide, 71 million people are estimated to be affected [1], and the progressive liver damage that can ensue has severe consequences including cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma [2,3]. The landscape of chronic hepatitis C changed dramatically with the introduction of oral, direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs. These regimens are well tolerated, can be administered for short duration, and are highly effective, producing cure (sustained virologic response, “SVR”) in>95% of treated individuals, across almost all HCV genotypes [4 –6].

Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - February 24, 2018 Category: Virology Authors: Joseph D. Yao, Stephen Young, Gabrielle M. Heilek, Enrique Marino, Ellen E. Paxinos, Ed G. Marins, Alexandra Valsamakis Source Type: research