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Can chronic hepatitis C resolve spontaneously? Case report and review
1King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) can spontaneously clear, even after decades of infection. This rare occurrence was observed in two female patients with transfusion-acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a global health concern, typically acquired through blood-borne transmission.
- Most CHC infections are subclinical, with spontaneous viral clearance rare in chronic cases.
Observation:
- This study details two female patients diagnosed with transfusion-acquired CHC.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via positive hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV-Ab) and hepatitis C virus-polymerase chain reaction (HCV-PCR) tests.
Findings:
- Both patients experienced spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- Spontaneous clearance occurred after prolonged periods of chronic infection (over 5 and 25 years).
Implications:
- These cases challenge the established understanding that CHC rarely clears spontaneously.
- Highlights the potential for delayed spontaneous viral clearance in some hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients.
- Suggests further research into the immunological mechanisms underlying late-stage spontaneous HCV clearance.
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