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Detection of HCV RNA in serum and seminal fluid from HIV‐1 co‐infected intravenous drug addicts
Author(s) -
Fiore Ramon José,
Potenza Domenico,
Monno Laura,
Appice Amelia,
Distefano Mariantonietta,
Giannelli Anna,
Lagrasta Lidia,
Romanelli Chiara,
Dibari Cesare,
Pastore Giuseppe
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.1890460412
Subject(s) - virology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , drug addict , drug , hepatitis c virus , intravenous drug , lentivirus , hepacivirus , biology , addiction , medicine , virus , viral disease , pharmacology , psychiatry
The presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in serum and seminal fluid was investigated in eleven drug addicts coinfected with HIV‐1 and HCV. Serum and seminal fluid were taken from each patient at the same time point. HCV RNA was found in ten of the eleven serum samples tested, but only in one of the semen samples. No relationship was observed between CD4 cell counts, the stage of HIV infection, extent of liver damage and the presence of HCV RNA in serum and semen. The results indicate that HCV is not usually present in the semen and provide further evidence against sexual transmission as an important mode of transmission of HCV infection. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.