Hepatitis C treatment at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver and often causes few or no noticeable symptoms for many years. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can gradually lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Modern antiviral medications can cure the vast majority of patients with hepatitis C. At the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, the specialized Gerok Liver Center provides diagnosis and treatment for viral hepatitis.
Our specialists are also actively involved in hepatitis C research, including studies on antiviral therapies and the immune response to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
One of the characteristics of hepatitis C is that the infection can remain virtually asymptomatic for many years. As a result, some patients discover they have hepatitis C by chance, for example, during routine blood tests.
When symptoms occur, they are often nonspecific and may include:
- persistent fatigue;
- weakness and a general feeling of being unwell;
- loss of appetite;
- nausea;
- discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen.
In cases of advanced liver damage, patients may develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark urine, and other signs of impaired liver function. The absence of symptoms does not rule out chronic HCV infection or ongoing liver damage.
How Is Hepatitis C Transmitted?
The hepatitis C virus is transmitted primarily through contact with infected blood. Infection can occur through the sharing of needles or other injecting equipment, as well as through tattooing or piercing procedures performed with inadequately sterilized instruments.
Before the hepatitis C virus was identified and modern blood screening methods were introduced, blood transfusions and blood products were also a potential source of infection. Today, routine screening of donated blood has significantly reduced this risk.
There is currently no vaccine against hepatitis C.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis C
The initial test for hepatitis C is a blood test that detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV).
A positive antibody test indicates previous exposure to the virus but does not necessarily mean that an active infection is present. To confirm an active infection, an additional blood test is required to detect HCV RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Once hepatitis C has been confirmed, it is important to assess the infection and determine the extent of liver damage. Depending on the patient's clinical condition, diagnostic examinations may include:
- Blood tests to assess liver enzymes and other indicators of liver function;
- HCV RNA testing and measurement of viral load;
- Ultrasound examination of the liver;
- Liver elastography (e.g., FibroScan®) to assess the degree of liver fibrosis noninvasively;
- Additional diagnostic examinations when clinically indicated.
The results help specialists evaluate the extent of liver damage and develop an appropriate, individualized treatment plan.
Hepatitis C Treatment at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg
The treatment of hepatitis C has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years.
Previously, standard treatment was based on interferon and ribavirin. This approach required prolonged therapy, was often associated with significant side effects, and did not achieve a cure in all patients. Today, hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), including sofosbuvir-based regimens. These medications target specific processes essential for viral replication.
Modern hepatitis C treatment is primarily administered in tablet form, is generally much better tolerated than earlier therapies, and can cure the vast majority of patients. The choice of medication and duration of treatment are tailored to each patient's individual medical needs. Factors considered include:
- the extent of liver damage and the presence of cirrhosis;
- other existing medical conditions;
- current medications and potential drug interactions;
- previous hepatitis C treatments.
Specialists at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg have extensive experience in interferon-free therapies for hepatitis C and have contributed to clinical research on direct-acting antiviral medications. For patients with complex liver diseases, the Gerok Liver Center works closely with experts from other medical disciplines, including endoscopy, ultrasound imaging, liver surgery, radiology, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine. This interdisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and individualized treatment planning tailored to each patient's specific medical needs.
The cost of hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg depends on the scope of diagnostic examinations, the extent of liver damage, the selected treatment regimen, existing medical conditions, and other individual factors.
To receive a preliminary cost estimate, please submit an inquiry to the International Medical Services (IMS) Department at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.
Hepatitis C Research in Freiburg
Hepatitis C is an important area of research at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. Researchers investigate how the virus interacts with the immune system and explore the mechanisms underlying immune responses during chronic HCV infection.
Previous research has shown that chronic hepatitis C can leave lasting changes in the immune system, even after the virus has been successfully eliminated. In particular, researchers identified characteristic molecular changes in HCV-specific CD8+ T cells, often described as "molecular scars" left by chronic infection. These changes may affect how effectively the immune system responds to the virus.
In a study published in 2026, Freiburg researchers also discovered that certain T-helper cells (CD4+ T cells) adapt to the prolonged stress caused by chronic HCV infection. These cells reduce their antiviral immune activity while developing mechanisms that enable them to survive longer. Importantly, some of these adaptations persist even after successful antiviral treatment.
The findings provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of chronic hepatitis C on the immune system and the characteristics of immune responses following treatment. In the future, this knowledge may contribute to the development of new strategies to strengthen immune responses after chronic infections and improve protection against HCV reinfection.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.