Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HCV-infected patients following sustained virologic response.

It is unclear whether direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) result in the complete eradication of HCV infection or whether some quantities of the virus may persist after achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR). Aim The aim of this work was to study the possibility of the persistence of HCV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after achieving SVR following DAA treatment. This study included 100 patients infected with HCV genotype 4, who were candidates for receiving DAAs and who achieved SVR during follow-up, as determined at 12 and/or 24 weeks following the end of treatment.