Renal hepatitis C in the absence of detectable serum or hepatic virus.
We report an apparently unique case where hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA was identified in renal tissue from a patient with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and treated chronic hepatitis C, despite the absence of detectable virus in the serum or liver (COBAS Amplicor qualitative assay, lower limit of detection 50 IU/ml). The implications of this finding are discussed, with particular reference to current concepts regarding 'occult' hepatitis C infection.
Fowell
Andrew J
AJ
Liver Research Group, Division of Infection, Inflammation and Repair, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. afowell@hotmail.com
Sheron
Nicholas
N
Rosenberg
William M C
WM
D015432:Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood
D012367:RNA, Viral