Categories: Hepatitis C, Hepatology

September 2007 Volume 3, Issue 9

Neal J. Schamberg, MD, and Gerond V. Lake-Bakaar, MD

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Within the past decade, it has been recognized that a majority of patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, cryoglobulin formation is clearly linked to the attempt of the host to clear the significant quantities of virions generated daily by the chronic infection. This review summarizes the current understanding of the relationship between chronic HCV infection and the development of MC, and discusses the interaction between the immune system and HCV and how this interaction can lead to the development of lymphoproliferative disorders.