Hepatitis C Virus Reactivation Following COVID-19 Vaccination – A Case Report

Abstract

Purpose

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection impacted morbidity and mortality during the pandemic of 2020–2021. A number of anti-COVID-19 vaccines have been developed with an unprecedented speed. While these vaccines have good efficacy and are safe, the experience with their use is limited and hence the knowledge of rare side effects. Identifying rare complications is important for future safe use of these vaccines.

Materials and Methods

Here, we report a case of a 82-year old patient with dementia who was admitted to a nursing home in the Netherlands. After vaccination with COVID-19 vaccination, physical examinations and lab tests were performed.

Results

She had a reactivation of hepatitis C infection after vaccination with the mRNA-based Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This reactivation manifested with jaundice, loss of consciousness, hepatic coma and death.

Conclusion

This reactivation of hepatitis C virus after vaccination with the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID‑19 vaccine suggests a need for critical consideration of individuals with prior HCV infection and considered for COVID-19 vaccination.

Keywords:

• SARS-CoV-2
• hepatitis C
• virus reactivation
• COVID-19 vaccination

View correction statement:

Hepatitis C Virus Reactivation Following COVID-19 Vaccination – A Case Report [Corrigendum]

Abbreviations

ALP, Alkaline phosphatase; ALT, Alanine transaminase; anti-HBs, anti-hepatitis B surface; anti-HBc, anti hepatitis B core; AST, Aspartate transaminase; bpm, Beats per minute; COVID – 19, Coronavirus disease 2019; CRP, C-reactive protein; GGT, Gamma-glutamyltransferase; HCV, Hepatitis C virus; IU, International units; Ml, Millilitre; mRNA, messenger ribonucleic acid; PCR, Polymerase chain reaction; sAg, surface antigen; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available, due to the fact that they contain personal information, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics Approval and and Informed Consent

Ethics approval was not required and the patient’s next of kin gave her written consent to participate. Our study follows the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Consent for Publication

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient’s next of kin for publication of this Case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor of this journal. The patient cannot be identified via the case report by fully anonymizing her.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the staff at the Cordaan Health Care Organization for their approval for this submission.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of competing interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

There were no sponsors involved.