Delayed HCV Antibody Responses in HIV-Infected Patients

Large outbreaks of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have occurred among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe and the U.S. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of acute HCV infection can lead to improved outcomes. Antibody screening is frequently used to diagnose HCV infection in HIV-positive patients, but is this method adequate to detect recent infection? To find out, investigators in London compared the sensitivity of antibody testing with that of HCV RNA testing in 43 HIV-positive patients with acute HCV infection.

Stored plasma samples collected at 1- to 3-month intervals were available for retrospective analysis. The median CD4 count was 570 cells/mm³ at the time of HCV acquisition. Seventy-six percent of patients had eleva…