Hepatitis C virus in peripheral mononuclear cells in patients on regular hemodialysis

ABSTRACT

Background: Occult hepatitis C virus infection [OCI] was identified as Hepatitis C virus [HCV], characterized by undetectable HCV antibodies and HCV RNA in serum, while HCV RNA is detectable in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] only. Nosocomial transmission in dialysis units maintains a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection in patients on maintenance dialysis than in the general population. HCV infection has a detrimental effect on survival in patients on maintenance dialysis and after renal transplantation. The excess risk for death in HCV-positive patients was partially attributed to chronic liver disease with its attendant complications, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis