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The discovery of hepatitis C virus and the research that this breakthrough permitted defined viral RNA genome and proteins, existence of globally distributed genotypes and creation of in vivo and in vitro experimental systems, and thus made it possible to develop specific and sensitive diagnostic tests and curative therapies. Research led to fundamental discoveries in virology and immunology as summarized in this review, and the hope is that understanding of virus heterogeneity, pathogenesis and neutralisation will make it possible to achieve the ultimate goal of developing a vaccine to help control the epidemic worldwide.

In Denmark, about 50% of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are undiagnosed. Since 2014, therapy containing direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has proven efficient and is available to all patients, who have a chronic HCV infection and a Danish personal identification number. The World Health Organization has a goal of elimination of viral hepatitis in 2030. Elimination of HCV in Denmark should focus on reducing HCV transmission, incidence and prevalence, combined with treatment with DAA of all infected patients. Micro-elimination strategies may play a major role, but a national strategy is lacking.

The prevalence of depression is not clearly established, but estimated to 3-4% in a Danish questionnaire study. Lifetime's prevalences of 12-17% are reported in other community samples. In the current diagnostic system depression is defined categorically and operationally. It has been argued, that these diagnostic criteria represent an oversimplification, which has blurred the concept of depression. We suggest a greater emphasis on the depressed mood as the core symptom of depression, which may increase the specificity of the diagnosis. Furthermore, basic principles for the treatment of depression are presented.

A recent Cochrane review concluded that amitriptyline is an efficacious antidepressant drug, however associated with a number of side effects. The present paper discusses this finding in relation to studies on effects and side effects of SSRIs and dual-action drugs. It is concluded that there is some evidence for recommending treatment with tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) especially in patients who are hospitalized with severe depression and melancholic features. Further, nortriptylin is preferred due to its more favourable side effects profile.

The aim of the present review was to present clinical aspects of recent research in genes, the experience of stressful life events and depression. 60-70% experience a moderate to severe stressful life event half a year prior to the first onset of depression, whereas later depressive episodes to a lesser extent are preceded by stressful life events. Clinical features do not differ between depressions with or without prior stressful life events. Certain genetic variations in the serotonin receptor system seem to increase the risk of developing depression in relation to experiencing stressful life events.

The outcome of psychopharmacological treatment may depend on genetic polymorphisms of various neurotransmitter systems. We summarize studies of associations between genetic variations with relation to the serotonin system and response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The results are still preliminary but suggest that treatment response to antidepressant drugs is influenced by genetic factors. They also indicate that the genetic component is polygenic and highly complex and might manifest itself in interaction with other biological and environmental factors.