HCV clearance from saliva of HIV–HCV‐coinfected patients on treatment with interferon plus ribavirin. (22nd April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feijoo, J; Eirea, M; Limeres, J; Abeleira, M; Ramos, I; Ocampo, A; Diz, P
• Is Part Of: Oral diseases. Volume 20:Number 3(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2013-04-22
• Subjects: Mouth -- Diseases -- Research -- Periodicals; 617.522
• DOI: 10.1111/odi.12116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-523X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en" id="odi12116-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="odi12116-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA clearance from blood and saliva of HIV–HCV‐coinfected patients undergoing combined therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG‐IFN‐RIB).</p> </sec> <sec id="odi12116-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Subjects and Methods</title> <p>Study group was formed of 60 HIV‐infected patients with chronic hepatitis C who were starting treatment with PEG‐IFN‐RIB. Blood and saliva samples were taken at baseline, at the end of treatment and 24 and 48 weeks later. A nested RT‐PCR technique was used to detect HCV‐RNA in saliva.</p> </sec> <sec id="odi12116-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>HCV‐RNA was detected in saliva at baseline in 64.7% of patients. Thirty‐four patients completed follow‐up. The response rate (undetectable HCV‐RNA) in blood was 79.4% at the end of treatment; 55.8% at 24 weeks after the end of treatment and 50% at 48 weeks. HCV was detected in saliva of 13 (38.2%) patients at the end of treatment and in 18 (52.9%) patients at 24 and 48 weeks later. Concordance of HCV clearance from blood and saliva reached its maximum value at 48 weeks after the end of treatment (odds ratio, 112.51).</p> </sec> <sec id="odi12116-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>In HIV–HCV‐coinfected patients responders to PEG‐IFN‐RIB, the salivary glands do not appear to be a sanctuary site for HCV, although viral clearance from saliva may be slower than from blood.</p> </sec> </abstract>