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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Hepatitis C virus RNA detection in different semen fractions of HCV/HIV-1 co-infected men by nested PCR
V Savasi1, B Parrilla, M Ratti
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sacco Clinical Sciences Institute, University of Milan Medical School, 20157 Milan, Italy. valeria.savasi@unimi.it
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is present in seminal plasma and non-sperm cells, but not in sperm, of co-infected men. Sperm washing is recommended before assisted reproduction techniques for HCV patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Reproductive Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
- HCV/HIV-1 co-infection presents unique challenges in disease management and transmission prevention.
- Understanding HCV RNA presence in semen is crucial for reproductive strategies in affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HCV RNA in different semen fractions of men co-infected with HCV and HIV-1.
- To assess the detectability of HCV RNA in seminal plasma, non-spermatozoa cells (NSCs), and spermatozoa.
Main Methods:
- Nested PCR was used to detect HCV RNA in seminal plasma, NSCs, spermatozoa pellet, and swim-up fractions.
- Blood plasma samples were tested for HCV RNA quantification.
- 16 men with HCV/HIV-1 co-infection were enrolled in the study.
Main Results:
- HCV RNA was detected in seminal plasma and non-sperm cells.
- HCV RNA was not detectable in spermatozoa, either before or after swim-up.
- One patient with detectable HCV RNA in seminal plasma had undetectable levels in blood plasma.
Conclusions:
- HCV RNA can be present in seminal plasma and non-sperm cells, but not in spermatozoa.
- The presence of HCV RNA in semen from an aviremic individual highlights potential transmission risks.
- Sperm washing is advised for all semen samples from HCV patients undergoing assisted reproduction to minimize transmission risk.
Objective:
The aim was to evaluate, by nested PCR, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in seminal plasma in different semen fractions of HCV/HIV-1 co-infected men.
Study Design:
This study enrolled 16 HCV/HIV-1 infected men. A total of 16 seminal samples and 16 blood samples were tested for the presence of HCV-RNA. HCV-RNA in blood plasma was quantified by Amplicor HCV Monitor Test version 2.0 and HCV-RNA detection in seminal plasma, non-spermatozoa cells (NSCs), spermatozoa pellet and swim-up was investigated by nested PCR.
Results:
Thirteen blood plasma samples were positive for HCV-RNA. HCV-RNA was detectable in seminal plasma and in non-sperm cells, but not detectable in spermatozoa samples, neither before nor after swim-up. One of the two patients whose seminal plasma tested positive at nested PCR had undetectable HCV virus in blood plasma.
Conclusions:
HCV-RNA can be found in seminal plasma and non-sperm cells but not in spermatozoa before and after swim-up. We observed HCV-RNA in the semen of an aviremic man. According to these findings we suggest that sperm washing should be performed for each semen sample of HCV patients before assisted reproduction techniques.
