Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

Identified cases of acute hepatitis C from computerized laboratory database: a hospital-based epidemiological and

Chao-Hung Hung1, Sheng-Nan Lu, Jing-Houng Wang

  • 1Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123 Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung 833, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The Journal of Infection
|March 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Identifying acute hepatitis C (AHC) is challenging. A new method using rising antibody titers in lab databases can find more AHC cases, aiding in understanding its epidemiology and clinical outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Diagnosis of acute hepatitis C (AHC) typically requires documented seroconversion, which is rarely observed.
  • This diagnostic challenge limits understanding of AHC epidemiology and clinical presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify additional AHC cases by employing a supplemental criterion of rising anti-HCV titer.
  • To clarify the epidemiology and clinical course of AHC.

Main Methods:

  • Computerized laboratory databases of anti-HCV and ALT were reviewed.
  • AHC candidates were identified by seroconversion, rising anti-HCV titer (S/CO ratio < 40 to ≥ 40), or spontaneous HCV RNA clearance.
  • A case-control study interviewed AHC cases and matched controls regarding risk factors.

Main Results:

  • 123 AHC patients were identified, showing higher rates of recent surgery and injection therapy compared to controls.
  • Self-limited AHC was observed in 19.1% of followed patients.
  • Higher bilirubin levels were associated with self-limited AHC compared to chronic infection.

Conclusions:

  • Screening laboratory databases for anti-HCV and ALT can identify more AHC candidates.
  • This approach aids in revealing the epidemiology and clinical course of AHC.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...