Presence of Multiple Genotype-Specific Antibodies in Patients With Persistent Infection With Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv) of A Single Genotype: Evidence for Transient Or Occult Superinfection With Hcv of Different Genotypes

Abstract

A mixture of HCV serotypes was more common in hemophiliacs with persistent HCV infection of a single genotype who were at high risk of exposure to HCV than in nonhemophiliacs, and the sequence variability of the infecting strains was high in these patients. These data are suggestive of the effects of superinfection with HCV of different genotypes. The presence of multiple genotype-specific antibodies to HCV may be evidence of transient or occult superinfection with HCV of different genotypes in patients with persistent infection by HCV of a single genotype.