Genetic Basis Found in Racial Disparity in Hepatitis C Treatment - NYTimes.com

"The standard treatment for infection with the hepatitis C virus is a grueling 48-week course of the antiviral drugs interferon and ribavirin that gives some patients flulike symptoms and severe depression. The treatment varies in its effectiveness, being much more successful in Americans of European descent than in African-Americans."

Hepatitis C Virus Viremia Linked to Higher Mortality - In addition, HCV infection is found to be associated with higher risk of death - Modern Medicine

"Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at higher risk of death if they have markers of viremia, according to a study in the August issue of Hepatology. A related study in the same issue found that HCV infection is associated with a higher risk of death, although this risk is reduced after long-term treatment."