A DYNAMIC STUDY OF VIREMIA IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS-C INFECTION

The dynamics of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), anti-hepatitis C virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in six cases with chronic HCV infecti on were studied for 3-7 years. Two of the six cases showed continued e levation of ALT, and three showed intermittent elevation. All cases we re persistently positive for anti-HCV after initial seroconversion. Fi ve of the six cases were persistently positive for HCV RNA detected by nested polymerase chain reaction, and one was positive intermittently . Thus hepatitis C virus replicates continually in a majority of patie nts with chronic hepatitis C, although some cases may show intermitten t replication, and replication of hepatitis C virus does not always co rrelate with elevated ALT.