Treatment of the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus co-infection: Still a challenge for the hepatologist

Chronic co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is generally associated with severe forms of liver disease that may have a serious prognosis and high risk of death mostly due to their propensity to progress toward cirrhosis and to develop hepatocellular carcinoma [1–11]. In spite of the considerable clinical impact, many aspects concerning this dual infection have been insufficiently explored so far. In particular, very little is known from the therapeutic point of view, and guidelines for its treatment have not been drawn up to date.