The aim: To follow persistence of HCV-RNA in PBMC in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). To estimate the influence of this phenomenon on the cellular immune response of peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Material and methods: 8 HCV-RNA in PBMC positive children, with undetectable serum HCV-RNA after antiviral treatment, have been examined every 2-3 years. The amount of IFN-gamma, IL-12 and IL-18 secreted by PBMC obtained from the children after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was measured.
Results: Spontaneous elimination of HCV-RNA from PBMC in 2 to 6 years after treatment was found in all children. In two children HCV-RNA detectable both in serum and in PBMC, without recurrence of hepatitis, was found in single examination. PBMC containing HCV-RNA secreted more IFN-gamma than PBMC lacking it (1221 +/- 458 pg/ml vs. 651 +/- 147 pg/ml; p=0.009, similar correlation was revealed with the regard of IL-12: 21.8 +/- 12.3 pg/ml vs. 5,6 +/- 3,3 pg/ml respectively; p=0.009. Production and release of IL-18 were not correlated with HCV-RNA persistence (p=0.12).
Conclusion: Patients with CHC and persistence of HCV-RNA in PBMC require longitudinal follow-up in the respect of possible reseroconversion. PBMC containing HCV-RNA reveal enhanced cellular immune response, which most probably effects in spontaneous elimination of the virus.