Investigation of putative multisubtype hepatitis C virus infections in vivo by heteroduplex mobility analysis of core/envelope subgenomes.

The frequency that multiple different subtypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) simultaneously infect a given individual is controversial. To address this question, heteroduplex mobility analysis (HMA) of portions of the HCV core and envelope 1 region was optimized for sensitive and specific detection of mixtures of HCV genomes of different genotype or subtype. Using the standard HCV genotyping approach of 5'-untranslated region (UTR) analysis, 28 of 374 (7.

Hepatitis C virus dynamics during natural infection are associated with long-term histological outcome of chronic hepatitis C disease.

Background: The long-term dynamics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and their association with hepatitis C disease are unknown.

Methods: Fifty-two treatment-naive subjects with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection were selected from the Alaska Natives and American Indians cohort. Viral RNA levels were measured in 223 specimens (mean, 4.

High serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA load predicts the presence of HCV RNA in saliva from individuals with chronic and acute HCV infection.

The detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in saliva was studied. Twenty-three subjects with chronic HCV infection and 1 subject with acute HCV infection were enrolled in a 21-day study. Roche COBAS Amplicor and Bayer VERSANT HCV RNA qualitative assays were used.

Strengths and limitations of commercial tests for hepatitis C virus RNA quantification.

The sensitivity of the Roche COBAS Monitor v.2.0 test was slightly better than that of the Bayer bDNA 3.

Early hepatitis C viral kinetics correlate with long-term outcome in patients receiving high dose induction followed by combination interferon and ribavirin therapy.

Background/aims: The majority of patients with genotype 1 do not respond to interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin. Limited data exist on the use of induction followed by combination therapy.

Methods: In this prospective study of 28 patients infected with genotype 1, randomization involved either daily or twice daily high dose IFN for 6 weeks, followed by standard therapy of 3 million units three times a week in combination with ribavirin for an additional 42 weeks.