Hepatitis C Virus RNA Levels Following Virologic Failure With Direct-acting Antivirals: Implications for Lower Sensitivity Diagnostic Assays

Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Jan 2;70(2):327-330. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciz385.

Abstract

We analyzed post-treatment hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels from 330 subjects who experienced virologic failure in clinical trials of direct-acting antivirals. We demonstrated that 97% had post-treatment Week 12 HCV RNA >10 000 IU/mL, above reported sensitivity limits of novel diagnostic assays being considered for simplified HCV treatment monitoring.

Keywords: HCV RNA; HCV core antigen; direct-acting antivirals; hepatitis C virus; relapse.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • RNA, Viral
  • Sustained Virologic Response

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • RNA, Viral