A comparison of seminal hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels during recent and chronic HCV infection in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We aimed to characterize seminal hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA dynamics in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men with acute HCV infection given its potential role in sexual transmission of HCV.

Methods

Men with acute HCV infection (duration, ≤12 months) or chronic HCV infection (duration, >12 months) were prospectively recruited. Paired semen and blood samples were assayed for HCV RNA levels. Results were analyzed using χ(2), Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results

Eighteen men (27.3%) had acute HCV and HIV coinfection, 22 (33.3%) had chronic HCV infection and HIV coinfection, and 26 (39.4%) had chronic HCV monoinfection. HCV RNA was detected in semen specimens from 29 of 66 men (43.9%). The median HCV RNA level in blood was

SUBMITTER: Bradshaw D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4334806 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature