Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies
07:10

Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies

Published on: January 7, 2019

Spontaneous remission of chronic hepatitis C in children

T Fujisawa1, H Komatsu, A Inui

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-City, Saitama, Japan.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|November 19, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous remission of chronic hepatitis C in children is rare (8.3%). Key indicators include low hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels and a decrease in anti-HCV core antibodies, but liver HCV RNA testing is crucial for confirmation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Hepatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) affects children, with most cases linked to blood transfusions.
  • Long-term monitoring is essential to understand the natural course of pediatric HCV.
  • Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels indicate ongoing liver inflammation in chronic cases.

Observation:

  • A 3-year longitudinal study monitored 48 children with chronic hepatitis C.
  • All children tested positive for anti-HCV and serum HCV RNA, with elevated ALT levels for over 1.5 years.
  • Spontaneous remission was observed in 8.3% of patients, defined by sustained biochemical remission and HCV RNA clearance.

Findings:

  • Hepatitis C virus RNA was detectable in the liver of 25% of patients even after serum clearance.
  • A low serum titer of HCV RNA and a significant decrease in antibody to HCV core antigen (anti-HCV core) were associated with spontaneous remission.
  • Serum HCV RNA reappeared in some patients where anti-HCV core levels did not significantly decrease.

Implications:

  • Intrahepatic HCV RNA assessment is vital for confirming complete remission in pediatric chronic hepatitis C.
  • Identifying biomarkers like low HCV RNA titer and decreasing anti-HCV core may predict remission in children.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of spontaneous viral clearance in pediatric HCV is warranted.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice07:25

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice

Published on: September 25, 2019

Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix10:37

Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix

Published on: October 20, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
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...