The role of hepatitis C virus in alcoholic liver disease

Abstract

Alcoholism is a major public health problem across the world. However, only a minority of individuals who abuse alcohol develop significant liver injury. Interactions between alcohol and hepatotrophic viruses, particularly hepatitis C virus, have been recognized for some time. The aim of this review is to examine the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in individuals who abuse alcohol, and to discuss the association between hepatitis C virus infection and the histopathological and clinical findings in this group of patients. The possible pathogenesis of interaction between alcohol and hepatitis C virus is discussed briefly, and treatment options are examined.