[Chronic viral hepatitis--hope of solving a worldwide problem].

Our knowledge on chronic hepatitis B and C infection has dramatically improved. For the first time it is possible, to eliminate these hepatitis-viruses at least in some patients. In addition an excellent immuno-prophylaxis is possible in hepatitis B today. However many problems are still unsolved: we still do not have a sensitive marker for hepatitis C infection and the possibility to transfer hepatitis C by blood transfusion will remain. The recurrence-rate of chronic hepatitis C after stopping treatment with Interferon is very high and many patients with hepatitis B do not respond to Interferon-treatment. These problems are especially great in third world countries. New hope comes from the possibility to successfully immunize babies immediately after birth and from the successful production of vaccine with gene technology.