Book excerpt: The anticipated encore volume of the Biomedical Research Reports Series, Hepatitis C is the first book that offers comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of this "silent epidemic." The subject matter ranges from basic science to clinical medicine, with contributions from more than 30 international experts in the field. This important new book details the hepatitis C virus and the disease that it causes, including its prevalence, means of spread, symptoms, complications, natural history, prevention, and therapy.