Even this higher number is doubtful since the group with the most aggressive disease tends to have the lowest response to interferon. R ecent studies indicate that a mere six months of treatment at three million units may be suboptimal. Health-care personnel are at risk for occupational exposure, especially those exposed to blood products on a regular basis such as dialysis and operating room nurses. The infection can lead to liver failure and liver cancer in a substantial minority of infected individuals. The disease is becoming an important issue in workers compensation for health-care employees.
Extensive research is underway in an attempt to develop more effective therapies.