Racial Difference in HCV/Host Interactions

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult, male or female, African-American or Caucasian, age 18 or older. * Serum positive for hepatitis C virus by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or other assays \[e.g. Deoxyribonucleic acid, (BDNA)\]. * Liver biopsy prior to entry to this protocol with a pathology report confirming that the histological diagnosis is consistent with chronic hepatitis. * Compensated liver disease with the following laboratory parameters at the Entry visit: * Hemoglobin values of greater than or equal to 12 mg/dL * Neutrophil count greater than or equal to 1,200/mm\^3 * Platelets greater than or equal to 60,000/mm * Albumin \> 3.0 g/dL or within 20 percent of lower limit of normal (LLN) * Serum creatinine less than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL * Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) within normal limits or thyroid disease under control * Reconfirmation and documentation that sexually active female patients of childbearing potential are practicing adequate contraception (intrauterine device, oral contraceptives, progesterone implanted rods (Norplant), medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera), surgical sterilization, barrier method (diaphragm + spermicide), or monogamous relationship with a male partner who has had a vasectomy or is using a condom + spermicide) during the treatment period and for 6 months after discontinuation of therapy. A urine pregnancy test obtained at entry prior to the initiation of treatment must be negative. Female patients must not be breast-feeding. Documentation that sexually active male patients are practicing acceptable methods of contraception (vasectomy, use of a condom + spermicide, monogamous relationship with a female partner who practices an acceptable method of contraception) during the treatment period and for 6 months after discontinuation of therapy. * Written informed consent specific for this protocol has been obtained prior to entry. Exclusion Criteria: * Hypersensitivity to interferon or ribavirin. * Any cause for chronic liver disease other than chronic hepatitis C. * Active hemolytic anemia. * Evidence of advanced liver disease such as a history of or presence of ascites, bleeding varices, or spontaneous encephalopathy. * Any known preexisting medical condition that could interfere with the patient's participation in the protocol including: (Central Nervous System) CNS trauma or uncontrolled seizure disorders; poorly controlled diabetes mellitus; serious pulmonary disease; immunologically-mediated diseases; gout' or any medical condition requiring, or likely to require during the course of the study, chronic administration of steroids. * Patients with evidence of ischemia or stress testing, Electrocardiogram (ECG) evidence of ischemia, a significant arrhythmia, cardiac failure, recent coronary surgery, uncontrolled hypertension, angina or a myocardial infarction within 12 months. Pretreatment stress test will be required for all participants greater than 50 years of age or 45 years of age if diabetic. * Patients with clinically significant retinal abnormalities. * Substance abuse, such as alcohol (greater than 80 gm/day), intravenous (IV) drugs and inhaled drugs. If the patient has a history of substance abuse, to be considered for inclusion into the protocol, the patient must have abstained from using the abused substance for at least 3 months. * Patients with a history of organ transplantation will be excluded. * Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. * Preexisting psychiatric conditions; especially severe depression, or a history of severe psychiatric disorder, such as major psychoses, active suicidal ideation and/or suicidal attempt are excluded. Patients with a history of mild depression may enter the protocol if they meet the following eligibility criterion and are monitored more intensively. Mild depression includes either situational depression for a limited period or depressive symptoms, which do not significantly interfere with the patient's work or daily functions. All patients will complete the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The CES-D is a 20-item self-report scale designed to measure depressive symptomatology experienced during the week prior to the interview. The items are scored on a four-point scale (0-3), with the total score ranging from zero to 60. CES-D scores of 16-20 suggest minor depression, and scores greater than 20 suggest major depression. The score can be determined in real time. A score of 16 or higher should prompt further questioning and consideration of treatment or referral to psychiatry. Detailed follow-up of each patient may be individualized according to his/her need; this would usually include predetermined visits.