Autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis C virus infection.

The identification of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the availability of serological tests for the identification of its infection has deeply changed our view of autoimmune hepatitis. In fact, we have learned that autoantibodies such as anti-nuclear, anti-smooth muscle and anti-liver kidney microsomes, cannot be considered specific any longer for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, since they are frequently found in association with HCV. The new clinical entity characterized by the association of autoantibodies with signs of HCV infection is presently under evaluation. This, in order to understand what is the prevalent pathogenetic mechanism, viral or autoimmune, operating in these patients and to chose the best treatment regimen.