Predictive factors for sustained virological response after treatment with pegylated interferon α-2a and ribavirin in patients infected with HCV genotypes 2 and 3.

Background: Previous trials have often defined genotype 2 and 3 patients as an "easy to treat" group and guidelines recommend similar management.

Aims: The present study looks for differences between the two genotypes and analyzes predictive factors for SVR.

Methods: Prospective, community-based cohort study involving 421 physicians throughout Germany.