Therapy of acute hepatitis C with interferon-a2b plus ribavirin in a health care worker

Hepatitis C virus can be transmitted to health care workers through needlestick accidents. In this report, the result of short- term therapy with interferon-a2b plus ribavirin combination of acute hepatitis C in a health care worker who infected through laboratory accident was presented. The patient received combina- tion of interferon-a2b (5 MU three times a week) plus ribavirin (1000 mg daily) for three months. Aminotransferase levels were normalised and clearance of HCV RNA was obtained in the first month of the therapy. After 19 months of follow-up, he had unde- tectable levels of HCV RNA so sustained response (clearance of HCV RNA and normalisation of aminotransferases at least six months after cessation of therapy) was achieved. According to this result, short-term therapy of acute hepatitis C with interferon-a2b plus ribavirin may be an alternate to others. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2005, 68, 104-106).