Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

Prevalence and characterization of hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients

T Morikawa1, K Nakata, K Hamasaki

  • 1First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine.

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|August 10, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. While HCV is replication-competent in these patients, viral RNA levels temporarily decrease after HD procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant concern in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).
  • Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of HCV in this vulnerable population is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients.
  • To analyze the properties and behavior of HCV RNA in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Serological testing for HCV antibodies in 125 HD patients.
  • HCV RNA detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
  • HCV RNA sequencing and quantification via branched DNA assay in a subset of patients.

Main Results:

  • A 27% prevalence of HCV antibody positivity was observed in HD patients.
  • HCV RNA was detected in 68% of antibody-positive patients.
  • Serial analysis revealed a transient decrease in HCV RNA levels immediately post-HD, with levels returning to baseline within 2 days.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients demonstrates replication competence.
  • Hemodialysis procedures induce a temporary reduction in viral load, suggesting potential viral dynamics related to the treatment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks10:28

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks

Published on: June 26, 2020

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...