DYNAMICS OF HEPATITIS-C VIREMIA FOLLOWING INTERFERON-ALPHA ADMINISTRATION

Knowledge of the dynamics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in vivo is import ant for elucidation of its pathogenesis and the establishment of thera peutic guidelines. The aim of this study was to obtain kinetic informa tion about virus load following interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) administr ation. Serial serum HCV core protein and HCV RNA levels were measured. IFN-alpha exponentially reduced serum HCV levels. The mean (+/-SD) vi ral half-life was 7.0 +/- 2.6 h in HCV core protein assay and 7.2 +/- 3.1 h in HCV RNA assay on the first day of therapy, This initial rapid decrease was followed by a slower decrease in serum HCV levels therea fter, Thus, the biphasic reduction in virus load during IFN-alpha ther apy was demonstrated.