A nucleic acid sequence-based amplification system for detection of Listeria monocytogenes hlyA sequences

Chronic hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common condition that leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment with interferon is unsatisfactory, with a low percentage of patients who respond and uncertain high-term significance; in addition, it is associated with sometimes severe side effects. The increasing sophistication of molecular biology has enabled viral characteristics such as viral load, genotypes, and quasi-species to be identified, which may help predict a patient's response to interferon treatment. We suggest that interferon therapy for hepatitis C virus should be restricted to referral centers in the context of controlled trials.