HCV-RNA positivity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic HCV infection: does it really mean viral replication

摘要: AIM: To analyze the association of HCV-RNA with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to answer question whether positivity in PBMC is due viral replication. METHODS: was monitored serum preparations from 15 patients chronic HCV infection before, during after an IFN-α therapy using a nested RT/PCR technique. In second approach, healthy donors were incubated positive plasma. RESULTS: responding patients, disappeared first total RNA then serum. contrast, relapsing reappeared PBMC. A quantitative analysis concentration performed before transition detectable non PBMC-RNA vice versa. When preparations, significantly higher than when not detectable. Furthermore, at no time observation period specific observed PBMC, if under detection limit. Incubation several dilutions plasma for two hours showed dependent PCR reisolated PBMC. CONCLUSION: The detectability seems depend on Contamination or passive adsorption by circulating virus could be reason chronically infected patients.