Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in body fluids from HCV monoinfected and HCV/HIV coinfected patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The possibility of the non-parenteral Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) transmission is supported by the demonstration that the actual virus is present in several body fluids. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the detection of HCV RNA in body fluids (saliva, cervical smears, seminal fluid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from chronically HCV-infected patients and several viral and host factors.

METHODOLOGY: This study comprised 16 HIV/ HCV coinfected and 21 HCV monoinfected patients with a median age of 38 and 45 years, respectively. HCV-RNA was detected in serum and fluids samples by reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction. Genotypes were determined by using RFLP and direct nucleotide sequencing of the PCR products and plasma viral loads by using NASBA HCV-QT.

RESULTS: When compared on the basis of the results of the detection of HCV-RNA in fluids, patients did not differ significantly in relation to viral load, genotype, HCV/HIV coinfection, and epidemiological host factors.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that HCV can be detected in body fluids of chronically HCV-infected patients independent of these cofactors, including circulating HCV load and HCV/HIV coinfection. Studies on HCV dynamics are needed to gain insights into nonparenteral transmission of HCV.