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HCV Carriers (hcv + carrier)
Selected AbstractsCharacterization of host-range and cell entry properties of the major genotypes and subtypes of hepatitis C virus,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2005Dimitri Lavillette Because of the lack of a robust cell culture system, relatively little is known about the molecular details of the cell entry mechanism for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Recently, we described infectious HCV pseudo-particles (HCVpp) that were generated by incorporating unmodified HCV E1E2 glycoproteins into the membrane of retroviral core particles. These initial studies, performed with E1E2 glycoproteins of genotype 1, noted that HCVpp closely mimic the cell entry and neutralization properties of parental HCV. Because sequence variations in E1 and E2 may account for differences in tropism, replication properties, neutralization, and response to treatment in patients infected with different genotypes, we investigated the functional properties of HCV envelope glycoproteins from different genotypes/subtypes. Our studies indicate that hepatocytes were preferential targets of infection in vitro, although HCV replication in extrahepatic sites has been reported in vivo. Receptor competition assays using antibodies against the CD81 ectodomain as well as ectopic expression of CD81 in CD81-deficient HepG2 cells indicated that CD81 is used by all the different genotypes/subtypes analyzed to enter the cells. However, by silencing RNA (siRNA) interference assays, our results show that the level of Scavenger Receptor Class-B Type-I (SR-BI) needed for efficient infection varies between genotypes and subtypes. Finally, sera from chronic HCV carriers were found to exhibit broadly reactive activities that inhibited HCVpp cell entry, but failed to neutralize all the different genotypes. In conclusion, we characterize common steps in the cell entry pathways of the major HCV genotypes that should provide clues for the development of cell entry inhibitors and vaccines. (HEPATOLOGY 2005;41:265,274.) [source] Guidelines for the antiviral therapy of hepatitis C virus carriers with normal serum aminotransferase based on platelet countsHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008Takeshi Okanoue Aim:, We aimed to identify the candidates for antiviral therapy, among patients who are hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with normal serum aminotransferase (ALT), focused on the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:, Four hundred and sixty-four HCV carriers with normal serum ALT and 129 HCV carriers with persistently normal ALT (PNALT) and platelet (PLT) counts ,150 000/,L who received liver biopsies were enrolled. HCV carriers with normal serum ALT were divided into four groups according to their ALT levels (,30 U/L or 31,40 U/L) and PLT counts (,150 000/,L or <150 000/,L). Results:, In 129 HCV carriers with PNALT, the rate of progression of fibrosis stage was 0.05/year and no HCC was detected during the follow up for 10 years. Approximately 20% of patients with ALT ,40 U/L and PLT counts ,150 000/,Lwere at stage F2,3; however, approximately 50% of patients with ALT , 40 U/L and PLT counts <150 000/,L were at stage F2,4. An algorithm for the management of HCV carriers with normal serum ALT was advocated based on ALT and PLT counts. Conclusion:, The combination of ALT and PLT counts is useful for evaluating the fibrosis stage in HCV carriers with normal serum ALT. Most patients with PLT counts <150 000/,L are candidates for antiviral therapy, especially those with ALT levels ,31 U/L when we focus on the inhibition of the development of HCC. [source] Risk factors of hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis in young adults: Positive family history of liver disease and transporter associated with antigen processing 2 (TAP2) *0201 AlleleJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 2 2001Norio Akuta Abstract The aim of this study was to clinically characterize young patients with hepatitis-C-related cirrhosis. We compared 27 patients with liver cirrhosis (Group LC) who were anti-HCV positive, aged 40 years or less at the time of diagnosis, with 323 consecutive patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis (Group CH) matched for age and gender. Furthermore, Group LC was divided into two arbitrary groups (29,35 years, n,=,8 /36,40 years, n,=,19), based on the age of patients at the time of diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. Patients' characteristics and family history were investigated, and the frequency of transporter associated with antigen processing 2 (TAP2) was determined. A family history of liver disease was present in 40.7% of Group LC but in 18.0% of Group CH (P,<,0.05). The younger the age of diagnosis of cirrhosis in Group LC, the higher the frequency of a positive family history (29,35 years, 87.5%; 36,40 years, 21.1%, P,<,0.05). The frequency of TAP2*0201 was significantly higher in young adult patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis than in HCV carriers with normal ALT (P,<,0.05), and tended to be higher than in uninfected normal subjects (P,=,0.05). The cumulative survival rate of cirrhosis patients with family history of liver diseases was significantly lower than that of cirrhosis patients without such history (P,<,0.05). Our findings suggest that a positive family history of liver disease and TAP2*0201 polymorphism may be risk factors for HCV-related liver cirrhosis in young adults. J. Med. Virol. 64:109,116, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Predicting progressive hepatic fibrosis stage on subsequent liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis C virus infection,JOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 1 2005J. D. Collier Summary., Retrospective cross-sectional studies indicate that 20% with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection become cirrhotic within 20 years. Known risk factors for advanced hepatic fibrosis include age at time of infection, male sex, excess alcohol consumption and cytokine polymorphisms. Prospective study to assess and identify factors predictive of change in hepatic fibrosis stage in chronic HCV infection by interval protocol liver biopsy was performed. One hundred and five patients with paired liver biopsy specimens separated by a mean 41 months were recruited from a cohort of 823 HCV carriers. Five per cent developed worsening hepatic fibrosis by more than two stages. In 43% there was no change in fibrosis stage. Excessive alcohol intake currently (P = 0.037) or previously (P = 0.07) predicted progression. In contrast, always having a normal alanine transaminase (P = 0.038) and always being negative in serum for HCV RNA (P =0.067) predicted no progression. Three models were developed to predict outcome. Progressive fibrosis was predicted by baseline fibrosis (P = 0.018), steatosis (P = 0.02) and age (P = 0.017). The rate of progressive fibrosis was predicted by baseline fibrosis (P = 0.0002), steatosis (P =0.039) and lobular inflammation (P = 0.09). Fibrosis stage on the second biopsy was predicted by baseline fibrosis alone (P = 0.01). The rate of progression varies widely. Alcohol misuse is an important co-factor. Progressive fibrosis can be predicted at first liver biopsy, where baseline fibrosis is most critical, allowing targeted therapy for those with early disease and a significant risk of progression. [source] Hepatitis C virus infection rates and risk factors in an Australian hospital endoscopy cohortAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 5 2009Karen Vickery Abstract Objective: To determine the reservoir and risk factors of HCV infection in a hospital population. Methods: The presence of anti-HCV in 2,119 endoscopy patients was related to putative risk factors for exposure using the SAS statistical package. Results: Most of the 4.7% of anti-HCV positive patients had multiple risk factors for HCV exposure. The risk was significantly increased in patients; with a previous history of hepatitis (36.4 fold), past history of injecting drugs (IDU) (32.1 fold), those born in North Africa, Middle East and Mediterranean countries (4.3 fold), had been tattooed before 1980s (3.3 fold), from 1980s-1990s (5.9 fold), had acupuncture before 1980s (3.8 fold), had a blood transfusion (3.6 fold), had clotting factors or growth hormone (4 fold), had contact with someone diagnosed with hepatitis in 1990s (4.1 fold). Of the anti-HCV patients 38 had a history of IDU, 43 were migrants and 10 were both. Conclusion: Anti-HCV prevalence was five times higher than predicted by the passive surveillance scheme and 20% of patients were unaware of their infection. Only one of these patients reported IDU. The evidence of HCV intersecting epidemics between developing and developed countries in Australia was strongly supported. Implications: The study provides a rational basis for targeted programs to identify asymptomatic HCV carriers who might benefit from the new antiviral treatment. [source] | ||||||||||