Dynamics of HCV RNA levels during acute hepatitis C virus infection.

ABSTRACT: Understanding viral dynamics during acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can provide important insights into immunopathogenesis and guide early treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of HCV RNA and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels during recent HCV infection in the Australian Trial in Acute Hepatitis C (ATAHC). ATAHC was a prospective study of the natural history of recently acquired HCV infection. Longitudinal HCV RNA and ALT levels were compared among individuals with persistent infection and spontaneous clearance. Among those with HCV persistence (n?=?104) and HCV clearance (n?=?30), median HCV RNA (5.2 vs. 4.1?log?IU/ml, respectively) and ALT levels (779 vs. 1,765?IU/L, respectively) were high during month two following infection, and then declined during months three and four in both groups. Among those with HCV persistence, median HCV RNA was 2.9?log?IU/ml during months four, increased to 5.5?log?IU/ml during month five, and remained subsequently relatively stable. Among those with HCV clearance, median HCV RNA was undetectable by month five. Median HCV RNA levels were comparable between individuals with HCV persistence and HCV clearance during month three following infection (3.2 vs. 3.5?log?IU/ml, respectively; P?=?0.935), but markedly different during month five (5.5 vs. 1.0?log?IU/ml, respectively; P?

SUBMITTER: Hajarizadeh B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4276420 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature