HCV-positive Patient Research Articles

Risk of transmission and features of hepatitis C after needlestick injuries.

The rate of transmission and management of needlestick injuries from hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients to healthcare workers is still a matter of debate. We used a stringent protocol using monthly transaminase levels and polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA to monitor 53 healthcare workers prospectively for up to 6 months following needle injuries from HCV-positive patients. Evidence of transmission of HCV was found in only 2 workers (4%) with mild asymptomatic infection, one of which resolved spontaneously. Based on our experience, we now use a less-intensive follow-up protocol. Further investigation is required to determine the most cost-effective method to monitor individuals who suffer a needlestick injury from an HCV-positive patient.

Characterization of the structrual proteins of hepatitis C virus expressed by an adenovirus recombinant

Human adenoviruses have been used for mammalian expression vectors and recombinant vaccines for heterologous antigens. We constructed and characterized an infectious adenovirus recombinant containing core-E1-E2 genes of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The core protein was produced mainly during the early phase of viral infection. Expression of HCV E1 and E2 envelope proteins was detected by an immunoprecipitation with HCV-positive patient's sera. The purified E1 and E2 proteins appeared to be composed of mainly a heterodimeric form via noncovalent interaction, as previously observed in other mammalian expression systems. A small portion of E1 and E2 monomers as well as E1E2 aggregates by interdisulfide linkage were detected. Apparently heterodimeric E1E2 complexes were serologically reactive. The results suggest that adenovirus is an useful HCV antigen-expression vector.

Sicca syndrome associated with hepatitis C virus infection

To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with sicca syndrome, and to determine the clinical, immunologic, and genetic characteristics of sicca syndrome associated with HCV. We conducted a prospective study in a university hospital immunology-rheumatology department. Sixty-two consecutive patients with sicca syndrome according to the European criteria for Sjögren's syndrome were included. HCV infection was diagnosed in patients with positive recombinant immunoblot assay findings and the presence of viral RNA in serum and saliva. Rheumatoid factor (RF), cryoglobulins, antinuclear antibodies, and anti-SS-A/SS-B antibodies were sought. HLA typing was performed on all patients. The prevalence of HCV infection in patients with sicca syndrome was 19%. The incidence of neurologic involvement was significantly increased in patients with sicca syndrome associated with HCV infection (24% versus 4%; P < 0.03), as was elevations in transaminase levels (87.5% versus 16%; P < 0.0001). RF and cryoglobulins were more frequent in HCV-positive sicca syndrome patients (62% versus 30%; P < 0.03, and 56% versus 10%; P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, anti-SS-A/SS-B antibodies were present in 38% of HCV-negative sicca syndrome patients, but in only 1 HCV-positive sicca syndrome patient (P < 0.01). No significant difference in HLA type was observed. Viral RNA was present in the saliva of 83% of HCV-positive sicca syndrome patients, but in none of the HCV-negative sicca syndrome patients. We observed a high prevalence of HCV infection in our patients with sicca syndrome. HCV-positive sicca syndrome patients had specific clinical characteristics and were seronegative for SS-A/SS-B antibodies. Moreover, HCV RNA was present in the saliva of patients with HCV-associated sicca syndrome.