Antiviral Medication in Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Part III: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C.

In the previous parts of the series the antiviral agents used in genital herpes, genital HPV infection and therapeutic options in HIV infections were presented. The sexual contact is one of the major routes in the transmission of HBV and also possible modes of transmission of HCV. In this review we present the clinical indications, mechanisms of action, and side effects of presently available medication for the management of HBV and HCV infections. Currently a revolution is happening in the therapy of chronic hepatitis, especially caused by HCV. Direct-acting antivirals promise to open a new era in treating of chronic HCV infection. Efficacious, simplified and well tolerated interferon-free, and in some cases ribavirin-free regiments are available already and several other inhibitors currently are in the clinical trials.