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Silva E, Marques S, Leal B, Canhão B, Madaleno J, Simão A, Carvalho A. Occult hepatitis C infection identified in injection drug users with direct antiviral agents therapy and spontaneous resolution of hepatitis C virus infection. Virus Res 2023; 329:199104. [PMID: 37003528 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) is characterized by the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in hepatocytes and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) without detection in serum. We aimed to evaluate OCI in drug and no drug users who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) after therapy with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and with HCV spontaneous resolution. METHODS Twenty-four patients in the AVP group (who achieved a SVR after DAAs therapy), 13 in the NAVP group (with HCV spontaneous resolution) and 7 HCV-RNA positive patients (CPP, control positive group) were included in the study. HCV/OCI-RNA was screened in serum and PBMCs samples of the patients by ddPCR for OCI patients' identification. Plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) samples of the patients were also evaluated for HCV/OCI-RNA detection by ddPCR. RESULTS OCI was presented in injection drug users (IDUs) in the AVP (20.8%) and NAVP (23.1%) groups by ddPCR with a higher statistically significant percentage detected in RBCs samples of the patients in the AVP group comparatively to NAVP (p<0.01) and CPP (p < 0.05) groups. CONCLUSION OCI was identified in IDUs patients of the AVP and NAVP groups by ddPCR. These results suggest that OCI patients in the AVP group might not be entirely cured, and that OCI patients in the NAVP group were not identified at clinical evaluation time when just serum samples were analysed. A higher percentage of HCV/OCI-RNA was detected in RBCs samples. Overall results recommends that HCV/OCI identification in patients with DAAs therapy and spontaneous resolution of HCV infection should be studied more accurately in future and in larger patient groups if possible. Additionally, suggest also PBMCs and RBCs samples as predictors for HCV/OCI diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Silva
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO/InBIO), University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Marques
- Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO/InBIO), University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Leal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB) at 2School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Bernardo Canhão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Madaleno
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adélia Simão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armando Carvalho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
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Yaroslavtseva NG, Tikhomirov DS, Nikolaeva LI, Dedova AV, Ovchinnikova EN, Misko ON, Romanova TY, Makhnovskiy PI, Grishechkin AE, Tupoleva TA. [Low concentrations of hepatitis C virus RNA in serologically mild infection.]. Vopr Virusol 2020; 64:30-35. [PMID: 30893527 DOI: 10.18821/0507-4088-2019-64-1-30-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Occult HCV infection (OCI) provides significant interest recently. HCV RNA in this case can be detected not in plasma, but in blood cells and/or in liver tissue. In case of antibody genesis impairment anti-HCV detection may lead to negative or "uncertain" result. The aim of the study was to estimate infection type in blood donors and patients with hematological diseases by exploration of samples with uncertain anti-HCV detection results. Blood samples of 30 180 potential blood donors' and 4322 patients with hematological diseases were tested. Comparative analysis of wide pattern of HCV markers was performed. 33 blood donors and 42 patients were enrolled in follow-up examination. Uncertain results of Anti-HCV detection in donors' samples were in 0.18% of cases. Follow-up examination of 33 donors provided discordant results using immunochemiluminescence assay and ELISA. 15.2% donors' samples contained HCV RNA in low concentration. Follow-up observation of 42 patients with incomplete antiviral antibody pattern showed HCV RNA presence in 40.5% cases (21.4% high viremia and 19.0% low viremia). Samples with low RNA concentration contained low titers of anti-core antibodies. Samples with high titers of anti-core antibodies contained high HCV RNA level. Uncertain results of anti-HCV in 15.2% of potential blood donors' samples were confirmed by detection of HCV RNA in low concentration. It proved OCI presence in these individuals and called for testing for wide pattern of HCV markers in addition to routine screening. Patients with hematological diseases showed low level of HCV RNA along with low titers of antibodies against one or two viral antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Yaroslavtseva
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, 125167, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - D S Tikhomirov
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, 125167, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - L I Nikolaeva
- D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology «National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya», 123098, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - A V Dedova
- D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology «National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya», 123098, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - E N Ovchinnikova
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, 125167, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - O N Misko
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, 125167, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - T Yu Romanova
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, 125167, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - P I Makhnovskiy
- D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology «National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya», 123098, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - A E Grishechkin
- D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology «National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya», 123098, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - T A Tupoleva
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, 125167, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Molecular diagnosis of occult hepatitis C virus infection in Iranian injection drug users. Arch Virol 2018; 164:349-357. [PMID: 30390150 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-4066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Occult HCV infection (OCI) has been described as the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomic RNA in hepatocytes and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens and the lack of HCV genomic RNA and anti-HCV antibodies (Abs) in plasma samples. Injection drug users (IDUs) are the most important high-risk group for infection with blood-borne viruses, particularly HCV. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of OCI in IDUs. A prospective cross-sectional study of 126 consecutive Iranian IDUs was performed from March 2017 to January 2018. PBMCs were separated from blood samples from the participants, and after extraction of the viral RNA from the plasma and PBMC specimens, HCV RNA was detected in the samples using RT-nested PCR by amplification of the 5'-NTR of HCV. HCV genotyping was carried out using restriction a fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. The viral RNA was amplified using RT-nested PCR with specific primers for the NS5B gene, and the PCR products were sequenced to confirm the results obtained by HCV RNA detection and HCV genotyping. Out of the 126 IDUs studied, 105 (83.3%) were negative for anti-HCV Abs and HCV RNA in plasma samples, whereas HCV RNA was detected in the PBMC samples of six (5.7%) participants, indicating that these individuals had OCI. Moreover, HCV genomic RNA was detected in PBMC samples from five (23.8%) of the 21 IDUs studied who were positive for anti-HCV Abs and negative for HCV genomic RNA in plasma specimens. These IDUs also had OCI. The HCV genotypes in the PBMC samples from the subjects with OCI were determined. Six (54.5%) subjects were infected with HCV subtype 3a, and five (45.5%) were infected with HCV subtype 1a. This study showed that 8.7% of the Iranian IDUs had OCI, and therefore, a study focusing on the diagnosis of OCI in these individuals can be valuable and informative.
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Bastani MN, Bokharaei-Salim F, Keyvani H, Esghaei M, Monavari SH, Ebrahimi M, Garshasebi S, Fakhim S. Prevalence of occult hepatitis C virus infection in Iranian patients with beta thalassemia major. Arch Virol 2016; 161:1899-906. [PMID: 27132015 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-2862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI) is a new pathological form of chronic hepatitis virus (HCV) infection characterized by the presence of HCV RNA in liver biopsy and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens and the absence of HCV RNA and anti-HCV antibodies (Abs) in plasma samples. β-thalassemia major is a hereditary recessive blood disease with deficiency in the hemoglobin beta chain. Thalassemic patients need blood transfusion therapy; repeated blood transfusion increases the risk of viral blood-borne infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OCI in Iranian patients with β-thalassemia major. From February 2015 to November 2015, a total of 147 Iranian patients with β-thalassemia major were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. After extraction of viral RNA from the plasma and PBMC samples, HCV genomic RNA in the specimens was amplified by RT-nested PCR using primers from the 5'-UTR. The HCV genotypes of the positive specimens were tested using the RFLP assay. To confirm the HCV genotypes, the 5'-UTR fragment was amplified and cloned into the pJET1.2/blunt cloning vector and then sequenced. Out of 147 patients, 106 (72.1 %) were negative for anti-HCV Abs and HCV RNA. HCV RNA was found in PBMC specimens of six (5.7 %) patients, from a total of 106 patients with undetectable plasma HCV RNA and anti-HCV Abs. Therefore, six out of 106 patients had OCI. HCV genotyping revealed that three patients were infected with HCV subtype 1b, two patients were infected with HCV subtype 3a, and one patient was infected with HCV subtype 1a. These results revealed that Iranian patients with beta-thalassemia major might have OCI. Therefore, it seems that the design of a study to identify this infection in patients with β-thalassemia major would provide valuable information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Navid Bastani
- Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Farah Bokharaei-Salim
- Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. .,HIV Laboratory of National Center, Deputy of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Maryam Esghaei
- Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | | | - Mojtaba Ebrahimi
- Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO), Thalassemia Center, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Saba Garshasebi
- HIV Laboratory of National Center, Deputy of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Shahin Fakhim
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Payame Noor University, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Rezaee-Zavareh MS, Hadi R, Karimi-Sari H, Hossein Khosravi M, Ajudani R, Dolatimehr F, Ramezani-Binabaj M, Miri SM, Alavian SM. Occult HCV Infection: The Current State of Knowledge. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2015; 17:e34181. [PMID: 26734487 PMCID: PMC4698335 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.34181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Context Occult HCV infection (OCI) is defined as the presence of HCV-RNA in hepatocytes and the absence of HCV in the serum according to usual tests. We aimed to define OCI and provide information about the currently available diagnostic methods. Then we focus on specific groups that are at high risk of OCI and finally investigate immune responses to OCI and the available treatment approaches. Evidence Acquisition PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched with combination of following keywords: “occult”, “hepatitis C virus” and “occult HCV infection”. The definition of OCI, diagnostic methods, specific groups that are at high risk and available treatment approaches were extract from literature. An analysis of available articles on OCI also was done based on Scopus search results. Results OCI has been reported in several high-risk groups, especially in hemodialysis patients and subjects with cryptogenic liver disease. Furthermore, some studies have proposed a specific immune response for OCI in comparison with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Conclusions With a clinical history of approximately 11 years, occult HCV infection can be considered an occult type of CHC. Evidences suggest that considering OCI in these high-risk groups seems to be necessary. We suggest that alternative diagnostic tests should be applied and that there is a need for the participation of all countries to determine the epidemiology of this type of HCV infection. Additionally, evaluating OCI in blood transfusion centers and in patients who receive large amounts of blood and clotting factors, such as patients with hemophilia, should be performed in future projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Saeid Rezaee-Zavareh
- Students’ Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center (MELD), Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Reza Hadi
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center (MELD), Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hamidreza Karimi-Sari
- Students’ Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Reza Ajudani
- Students’ Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fardin Dolatimehr
- Students’ Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mahdi Ramezani-Binabaj
- Students’ Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyyed Mohammad Miri
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center (MELD), Tehran, IR Iran
- Kowsar Medical Institute, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center (MELD), Tehran, IR Iran
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gasteroenterology and Liver Disease (BRCGL), Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Seyed Moayed Alavian, Middle East Liver Diseases Center, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2188945186, Fax: +98-2188945188, E-mail:
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Ferraz RV, Pereira NR, Carvalho C, Sarmento A. Hepatitis C and leptospirosis: simultaneous acute infections or recurrence of occult hepatitis C. BMJ Case Rep 2015; 2015:bcr-2015-209929. [PMID: 26135490 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-209929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
People who inject drugs are vulnerable to several infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a simultaneous diagnosis of leptospirosis and acute infection or recurrence of occult hepatitis C in an HIV-infected drug user. We report a case of a 47-year-old Caucasian man with HIV infection, on antiretroviral therapy, and with a history of hepatitis C (positive anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV RNA persistently negative) who was admitted with febrile acute hepatitis. He was a former injecting drug user, on opioid substitution therapy, who relapsed to injection drug use 3 weeks prior to admission. Work up revealed positive HCV RNA and Leptospira DNA in his urine. Four weeks later he had an undetectable HCV load, and also at 6 months of follow-up. This case highlights the presence of two concomitant infectious aetiologies of acute hepatitis in an HIV-infected drug user.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Veiga Ferraz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, São João's University Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Rocha Pereira
- Department of Infectious Diseases, São João's University Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Carvalho
- Department of Infectious Diseases, São João's University Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | - António Sarmento
- Department of Infectious Diseases, São João's University Hospital, Porto, Portugal
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Attar BM, Van Thiel D. A New Twist to a Chronic HCV Infection: Occult Hepatitis C. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2015; 2015:579147. [PMID: 26221136 PMCID: PMC4495183 DOI: 10.1155/2015/579147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The prevalence of occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) in the population of HCV-RNA negative but anti-HCV positive individuals is presently unknown. OCI may be responsible for clinically overt recurrent disease following an apparent sustained viral response (SVR) weeks to years later. Purpose. To review the available current literature regarding OCI, prevalence, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and future directions. Data Sources. Searching MEDLINE, article references, and national and international meeting abstracts for the diagnosis of OCI (1990-2014). Data Synthesis. The long-term followup of individuals with an OCI suggests that the infection can be transient with the loss of detectable HCV-RNA in PPBMCs after 12-18 months or alternatively exist intermittently and potentially long term. The ultimate outcome of HCV infection is decided by interplay between host immune responses, antiviral therapies, and the various well-identified viral evasion mechanisms as well as the presence of HCV infection within extrahepatic tissues. Conclusion. The currently widely held assumption of a HCV-cure in individuals having had "SVR" after 8-12 weeks of a course of DAA therapy as recently defined may not be entirely valid. Careful longitudinal followup utilizing highly sensitive assays and unique approaches to viral isolation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar M. Attar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cook County Health and Hospitals System, 1901 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - David Van Thiel
- Advanced Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Center, Berwyn, IL 60402, USA
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Seronegative occult hepatitis C virus infection: clinical implications. J Clin Virol 2014; 61:315-20. [PMID: 25304062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI) was first described in anti-HCV and serum HCV-RNA negative patients with abnormal values of liver enzymes but who presented HCV-RNA in liver and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Up to now, two types of OCI are recognized: seronegative OCI (anti-HCV and serum HCV-RNA negative) and seropositive OCI (anti-HCV positive and serum HCV-RNA negative). The concept of OCI is still a matter of debate, probably because both types of OCI are not considered as different entities. This review focuses on seronegative OCI. The existence of seronegative OCI has been documented all around the world with the implication of different HCV genotypes (1-4). Seronegative OCI is associated with cryptogenic chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis and it may be involved in the appearance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Also seronegative OCI may increase the histological liver damage in chronic hepatitis B and in HIV-infected patients. It may have a negative influence in the natural history of hemodialysis patients and in immune-mediated glomerulonephritis. Seronegative OCI has been detected also in patients with haematological diseases, among healthy subjects and in drug users. Other publications indicate the potential infectivity of seronegative OCI in the setting of family members, sexual partners and liver transplantation. In summary, seronegative OCI may play a role in liver diseases and other human pathologies and may be present in healthy people but larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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