Lack of HCV Replication during the Course of HCV-Associated Arthritis

Abstract

Viral replication was evaluated by PCR in the serum of 25 subjects with HCV-associated arthritis. Active replication resulted in 16 cases, only 10 of which presenting hypertransaminasemia. A significant correlation appeared between serum Rheumatoid Factor concentrations and viral replication only in 7 patients with hypertransaminasemia. These data suggest that the onset of arthritis in this infection is due to an autoimmune mechanism, not linked to the HCV replication.