Semi-Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis C Virus RNA by Real-Time RT-PCR

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause for liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Quantification of HCV-RNA has become an important tool to tailor and monitor antiviral therapies for this disease (1 ). Although a low viral load is associated with a higher efficacy of Interferonm (IFN)-α/ribavirin combination therapies, patients with a high viral load respond more poorly to this treatment and require a longer duration of therapy. In addition, the HCV-RNA status in serum during treatment is used as a marker for the short-term success of therapy.