Hepatitis type C virus infection in patients with type B chronic liver disease

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic liver diseases are often caused by viral infections.
• Coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents complex clinical challenges.
• Understanding the distinct roles of HBV and HCV in coinfection is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of HBV and HCV coinfection in patients with chronic liver disease.
• To differentiate the impact of HBV and HCV on liver inflammation based on hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status.

Main Methods:

• Sera from 152 HBs antigen-positive patients were tested for anti-c100-3 antibodies (HCV marker).
• HCV-RNA detection using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and HBeAg status were assessed.
• Liver function tests (SGPT) and liver biopsy findings were correlated with viral markers and HBeAg status.

Main Results:

• Eleven patients (7.2%) were positive for anti-c100-3, indicating HCV coinfection.
• HCV-RNA was detected in all 11 anti-c100-3 positive patients.
• HBeAg-positive patients showed elevated SGPT and active HBV replication, correlating with chronic active hepatitis.
• HBeAg-negative patients exhibited fluctuating SGPT without clear HBV replication, but liver biopsy revealed active inflammation in some, suggesting HCV's role.

Conclusions:

• HBV appears to contribute significantly to active liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients coinfected with HCV.
• HCV may be the primary driver of persistent liver inflammation in HBeAg-negative patients with HBV/HCV coinfection.
• These findings highlight the differential roles of HBV and HCV in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease in coinfected individuals.