Virology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Virology, including details on viruses, pathology, classification, definitions. | ||||||||
|
Quasispecies as predictive factor of rapid, early and sustained virological responses in chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1, treated with peginterferon-ribavirin.Salmerón J, Casado J, Rueda PM, Lafuente V, Diago M, Romero-Gómez M, Palacios A, León J, Gila A, Quiles R, Rodriguez L, Ruiz-Extremera A Gastroenterology Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital and Ciberehd, Granada, Spain. BACKGROUND: The relationship between the complexity of the hypervariable region 1 quasispecies of HCV and responsiveness to therapy is not completely clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of quasispecies as a predictive factor of rapid (RVR), early (EVR) and sustained (SVR) virologic response. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 82 patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1, treated with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin. Quasispecies (SSCP), HCV-RNA and viral load were determined at baseline and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after beginning treatment. RESULTS: Less fibrosis and lower serum GGT activity were the only predictive factors for EVR. SVR predictive factors were age </=40 years, viral load </=600,000IU/mL, and quasispecies </=5 bands. By logistic regression analysis, the independent factors determining SVR were age (P=0.011), viral load (P=0.027), and quasispecies (P=0.010). Quasispecies and viral load were not predictive factors of RVR. During treatment, quasispecies decreased rapidly in the SVR group. In non-EVR patients, quasispecies were slightly lower up to 8 weeks and then increased. CONCLUSIONS: Quasispecies are an important predictive factor for SVR, but are no better predictors than viral load. Quasispecies are not predictive factors for RVR or EVR. Published 17 March 2008 in J Clin Virol, 41(4): 264-9.
© 2005-2008 Virology Research Today. All Rights Reserved. |
| ||||||
