However,
according to a report in the November 15, 2006, issue of Clinical Infectious
Diseases, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) may continue to replicate in the livers
of such individuals.
Spanish
researchers assessed the presence of both positive-strand and negative-strand
HCV RNA in the livers of 20 sustained responders whose response persisted for
a mean of 47.4 months after the end of treatment. HCV genetic material was measured
by PCR and in situ hybridization in post-treatment liver biopsy samples (obtained
a mean 35.4 months after therapy) and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Results
Positive-strand HCV RNA was found in 19 of 20 liver biopsy specimens (95%).
Negative-strand HCV RNA was found in 15 of the 19 samples (79%) that had positive-strand
HCV RNA.
These results were confirmed by in situ hybridization.
13 of 20 PBMC samples (65%) had detectable positive-strand HCV RNA.
Negative-strand HCV RNA was detected in 12 of the 13 PBMC samples (92%) with positive-strand
HCV RNA.
Liver necro-inflammation was still present in the post-treatment liver biopsy
specimens of 15 patients, and fibrosis was present in 7.
Nevertheless, liver damage improved in all but 2 patients.
Conclusion
"HCV
persisted and replicated in the livers and peripheral blood mononuclear cells
of most sustained responders," the authors concluded. "Thus, these patients
did not experience HCV infection clearance, despite apparent clinical disease
resolution."
12/15/06
Reference I
Castillo, E Rodriguez-Inigo, J M Lopez-Alcorocho, and others. Hepatitis C virus
replicates in the liver of patients who have a sustained response to antiviral
treatment. Clinical Infectious Diseases 43(10): 1277-1283. November 15,
2006.
Positive-strand HCV RNA was found in 19 of 20 liver biopsy specimens (95%).
