Herpesvirus DNA is frequently detected in liver tissue from hepatitis C patients

Background and aims: Herpesviruses infect the liver and cause minor hepatit is. Our aim is to verify the presence of herpesviruses in the liver from he patitis C patients and the possible influence of these viruses in the liver disease. Methods: We searched for herpesvirus DNA in liver biopsies from patients wi th hepatitis C and from a control group without hepatitis by means of neste d polymerase chain reaction. Serological investigations were carried out as well. Results: Thirty-four liver specimens from hepatitis C patients were examine d, 12 of which (35.3%) were positive for at least one herpesvirus DNA, wher eas among the 19 control specimens only two were positive (10.5%; P = 0.049 ). Liver biopsies from seven patients, three with acute hepatitis of unknow n origin, three with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and one with autoimmune hepatitis were also investigated and three positive samples were found. Conclusions: The prevalence of herpesvirus DNA was found higher in patients with hepatitis C than in individuals without hepatitis. The influence of h erpesviruses on the clinical course of hepatitis C is considered. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.