Interpretation of undetectable hepatitis C virus RNA levels in HIV-hepatitis C virus co-infection.
Individuals with positive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody titres, normal transaminase levels, and undetectable HCV-RNA levels are generally considered to have cleared the previous hepatitis C infection. We report the emergence of plasma HCV RNA within a cohort of HIV and HCV seropositive/plasma HCV-RNA-negative patients initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy. Our observations challenge conventional wisdom that HCV polymerase chain reaction-negative patients with normal liver enzymes are 'cured'.
Cooper
Curtis L
CL
Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Ottawa at the Ottawa Hospital, and the Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Cameron
D William
DW
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood
D012367:RNA, Viral