Naslov
Dynamics of serum hepatitis C virus load and quasispecies complexity during antiviral therapy
(Dynamics of serum hepatitis C virus load and quasispecies complexity during antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C)

Autori
Grahovac, Blaženka ; Bingulac-Popović, Jasna ; Vucelić, Boris ; Hrstić, Irena ; Ostojić, Rajko ; Dražić, Vesna ; Balija, Melita ; Grgičević, Damir

Izvornik
Journal of Clinical Virology (1386-6532) 20 (2001); 85-89

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
HCV viremija; kvazispecijesi; trostruka kombinirana terapija
(HCV viremia; quasispecies; triple combination therapy)

Sažetak
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a dynamic process during which viral genetic variants continuously develop as a result of the virus adaptation to the host's immune system. The level of viremia and the complexity of the hypervariable region 1 (HVR 1) quasispecies of hepatitis C virus during antiviral therapy reflect the dynamic balance between the viral and host components in response to therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of HCV viremia and the complexity of the HVR 1 quasispecies during the induction phase of a triple combination therapy regimen in nonresponders to earlier anti-HCV treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Ten patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral combination therapy with interferon-alpha, ribavirin, and amantadine were studied. The serum HCV RNA level was monitored by a quantitative RT-PCR assay up to 3 months after start of treatment. The HVR 1 quasispecies complexity was analysed by an "in house" nested RT-PCR mediated single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assay. RESULTS: Baseline serum HCV RNA levels ranged from 1.94x10(6) to 5.53x10(6) copies/ml. In all patients, HCV subtype 1b was found. At the start of therapy, the SSCP assay revealed a high complexity pattern (at least six SSCP bands) in all patients. None of the patients responded within 4 weeks of treatment, however, the serum HCV RNA level decreased by one to two logs in eight patients. At week 4 after start of treatment, there was a decrease of SSCP bands in five patients. In four patients, SSCP bands remained unchanged and in one patient SSCP bands increased. At month 3 after start of treatment, serum HCV RNA was not detectable in one patient. CONCLUSION: Because of the low number of patients involved in this study, prediction of therapeutical success based on the quasispecies complexity was not possible. Larger studies are urgently needed.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Temeljne medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA