Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989, there has been an explosion of research and information on the virus. This is evidenced by the more than 20 000 papers onHCV(as of December, 2000), as well as the numerous reviews in journals and edited books. The purpose of this book is to present an overview of the diVerent disciplines that have contributed to an understanding of the virus, its diseases, current and proposed treatments, and much more. Importantly, this book attempts to integrate the various disciplines to provide an overall picture of what has been accomplished in the Weld, and what major questions still remain
