The role of general practitioners in managing and treating hepatitis C

To the Editor: Hellard and Wang1 are correct in emphasising the importance of the general practitioner in the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. As the authors note, HCV infection is a considerable source of morbidity and mortality in the community, and the infection may cause a substantial burden of illness in the future if it is not appropriately managed. The GP plays a pivotal role in managing HCV infection, being the first and most likely point of contact for patients. However, Hellard and Wang fail to note that the GP’s most useful role is to inform patients that “alcohol abstinence is strongly recommended before and during antiviral therapy”.2 The well recognised role of alcohol in disease progression is emphasised in the position papers of both the American Gastroenterological Association and the United States National Institutes of Health.2,3 From a public health perspective, it is difficult to think of a more cost-effective approach to the management of such a public health issue.