HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-RNA AND ANTI-N-14 ANTIBODY-LEVELS DURING INTERFERON-ALPHA THERAPY FOR CHRONIC HEPATITIS-C

To investigate the markers useful for evaluating the long-term efficac y of interferon (IFN) therapy, the quantity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and two anti-HCV antibody titers (anti-N14 and anti-C-100-3 antib ody) in 21 chronic hepatitis C patients were determined. In all comple te responders, a sustained clearance of the virus and reductions in th e anti-HCV antibody titers were observed during and after therapy. In most of the temporary responders, reductions in the HCV RNA levels and in both anti-HCV antibody titers were observed temporarily during the therapy, and relapse followed. In nonresponders, although the HCV RNA levels and anti-N14 antibody titer tended to remain unchanged or incr eased during and after therapy, the anti-C-100-3 antibody titers showe d no tendency. These results demonstrate that the monitoring of the HC V RNA level and anti-N14 antibody titer is clinically useful for follo wing the patient's response to IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis C.