Two cases of chronic hepatitis B superinfected with hepatitis C virus, clearing hepatitis B virus after interferon therapy

Abstract

First case was a 45-year-old male, whose serum was positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV. He was treated for chronic active hepatitis with interferon. Though elevated serum ALT level was continued, HBV was cleared fifteen months after the cessation of the interferon therapy. Therefore, it was suspected that his hepatitis was mainly due to HCV.
Second case was a 68-year-old female, whose serum was also positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV. She was administered interferon for chronic persistent hepatitis. After interferon therapy, elevated serum ALT level was normalized, and HBV was cleared fifteen months after the cessation of the interferon therapy.
According to the changes of HBV markers, it was suggested that HBV was cleared by interference between HBV and HCV, and by interferon therapy.