Pavol Kristian, Ivan Schréter
There are two basic strategies in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, interferon based therapy and direct-acting antivirals. Interferons have an antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effect, the treatment is of defined duration and can lead to a long-time immune control of the host over the virus. The advantages of direct-acting antivirals are an effective suppression of viral replication, oral regimen and minimum side effects. The standard of care in chronic hepatitis C is represented by combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The efficacy of this treatment depends on several factors; meanwhile it fails in about a half of patients. New direct acting antivirals, mainly boceprevir and telaprevir, represent promising therapeutic perspectives. The future treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C is based on individualization of therapy, monitoring of viral response and introducing of new more effective antiviral agents.