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Association between hepatitis C virus and mixed cryoglobulinemia [see comment]
C Ferri1, F Greco, G Longombardo
1Rheumatology Unit, University of Pisa, Italy.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is strongly associated with mixed cryoglobulinemia. This study found high rates of HCV RNA and antibodies in patients, suggesting HCV plays a key role in causing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Mixed cryoglobulinemia is a condition characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins in the blood.
- The exact cause of mixed cryoglobulinemia is often unknown, but infections have been implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA and antibodies in patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia.
- To determine if there is a correlation between HCV infection and the presence of mixed cryoglobulinemia.
Main Methods:
- Detected HCV RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Detected HCV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and confirmed with immunoblot assay (RIBA).
- Assessed 42 patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia.
Main Results:
- HCV RNA was detected in 86% of patients.
- HCV antibodies were present in 90% of patients, confirmed by immunoblot.
- A strong correlation was observed between HCV RNA and antibody positivity.
- HCV RNA presence did not correlate with liver involvement.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of HCV in mixed cryoglobulinemia patients suggests a non-fortuitous association.
- Hepatitis C virus likely plays an etiopathogenetic role in the development of mixed cryoglobulinemia.