Occult hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients who achieved a sustained virological response to directly acting antiviral drugs: is it a concern?

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Hepatitis C virus infection is a major health problem in hemodialysis patients. Occult HCV infection is defined as the presence of HCV-RNA in hepatocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells without the detection of HCV-RNA in the serum. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of occult HCV infection among hemodialysis patients after treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents.

Methods

This research is a cross-sectional study that included 60 HCV patients maintained on regular HD patients who achieved 24 weeks of sustained virological response after treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents. Real-time PCR was performed to detect HCV-RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

HCV-RNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells o

SUBMITTER: Naguib H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10776497 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature