Late hepatitis B virus relapse in patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus after antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon-a2b and ribavirin

Abstract

HBV DNA and HCV RNA viremia levels may fluctuate over time in HBV-HCV-coinfected patients. Long-term follow-up data of more than 6 months after PEG-IFNa + ribavirin treatment of HBV/HCV co-infection are lacking. We here report that HBV may reactivate, even after a period of years, in HBV- and HCV-co-infected patients if HCV is cleared by antiviral therapy. In contrast, a sustained response concerning HCV is durable. We recommend long-term monitoring of HBV/HCV-co-infected patients after IFN a-based therapies.

Conflict of interest: AP, HW and TB, were investigators in several clinical trials using different interferons. They also have received research grants, lecturer fees or consultant fees by Scheringh-Plough.