Histological changes in HCV antibody-positive, HCV RNA-negative subjects suggest persistent virus infection.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

It is unclear whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been eradicated or persists at a low level in HCV antibody-positive HCV RNA-negative individuals. The natural history and liver histology are not well characterized. One hundred seventy-two HCV antibody-positive, serum HCV RNA-negative patients underwent diagnostic liver biopsy between 1992 and 2000 and were followed a median 7 years (range, 5-12). Patients with any possible cause of liver injury other than HCV were excluded. A single histopathologist scored sections using Ishak criteria. Characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate in selected cases used a novel semiquantitative technique and compared with HCV RNA-positive patients and healthy controls. One hundred two patients were excluded because of a risk factor f

SUBMITTER: Hoare M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2680218 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature