To date, six viruses have been identified that target the liver and cause inflammatory infection. These viruses are referred to by the letters A, B, C, D, E, and G and vary according to their transmission mode (fecal-oral for A and E, parenteral the others) and their aggressive profile. In recent years, our research group has focused on various critical aspects of viral hepatitis. Among our primary areas of investigation is the identification and management of hidden hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections through targeted screening programs aimed at reaching undiagnosed individuals in the general population. We have also been actively involved in clinical trials evaluating new therapeutic agents for hepatitis B virus (HBV), which have shown promising results in improving disease control. Another key focus of our work is the study of host and viral factors influencing the response to Bulevirtide, the first approved treatment for hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. In parallel, we are conducting research on the regional epidemiology of liver diseases, aiming to better understand their distribution, risk factors, and healthcare burden at the local level. These efforts contribute to a more effective public health response and the development of targeted intervention strategies.

Publications

1. European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol. 2025 May 8:S0168-8278(25)00174-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2025.03.018. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40348683.
2. Russo FP, ..., Angeli P, Cillo U, Burra P. Chronic Hepatitis B in the Transplant Setting: A 30-Year Experience in a Single Tertiary Italian Center. Viruses. 2025 Mar 21;17(4):454. doi: 10.3390/v17040454. PMID: 40284897; PMCID: PMC12030929.
3. Burra P, Battistella S, ..., Zanetto A, Russo FP. Liver transplantation for HBV-related liver disease: Impact of prophylaxis for HBV on HCC recurrence. JHEP Rep. 2024 Nov 23;7(3):101278. doi: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101278. PMID: 40041120; PMCID: PMC11876922.
4. Ferrarese A, Zanaga P, Battistella S, ..., Cattelan A, Russo FP. In-Hospital Screening Campaign Against Hepatitis C Could Be Effective for Identifying More Patients Who Still Need Treatment. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2025 Feb;61(4):667-674. doi: 10.1111/apt.18433. Epub 2024 Dec 10. PMID: 39655800.
5. Kondili LA, Zanetto A, ..., Russo FP; PITER Collaborating Investigators. Predicting de-novo portal vein thrombosis after HCV eradication: A long-term competing risk analysis in the ongoing PITER cohort. United European Gastroenterol J. 2024 Apr;12(3):352-363. doi: 10.1002/ueg2.12496. Epub 2023 Nov 30. PMID: 38032175; PMCID: PMC11328110.
6. Casotto V, Amidei CB, Saia M, Gregori D, Zanetto A, Fedeli U, Russo FP. Mortality related to HCV and other chronic liver diseases in Veneto (Italy), 2008-2021: Changes in trends and age-period-cohort effects. Liver Int. 2024 Feb;44(2):559-565. doi: 10.1111/liv.15798. Epub 2023 Nov 30. PMID: 38031995.

Funding:

Progetto Finanziato dall’Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo “Prevenzione e cura delle epatiti B e C per una Copertura Sanitaria Universale in Burkina Faso” AID 013123/01/0.
Ordinary Department funding.

People involved:

Francesco Paolo Russo, Associate Professor
Patrizia Burra, Full Professor
Alberto Zanetto, Assistant Professor
Alberto Ferrarese, Assistant Professor

Group members:

Martina Gambato (consultant Hepatologist), Sara Battistella (Gastroenterologist and PhD student), Paola Zanaga (Study Coordinator), Teresa Zappitelli (Study Coordinator and PhD Student)