Higher clearance of hepatitis C virus infection in females compared with males

Abstract

This study provides strong evidence in favour of a higher HCV clearance rate in females compared with males.

Viral clearance or persistence after acute hepatitis C infection: Interim results from a prospective study

“…In addition, resolved subjects were infected with the genotype 3, which has recently been associated with a favorable outcome of the disease (30). The relationship between female sex and self-limited HCV course has been reported by different authors (3,14,20,23). It is possible that genetic factors or female sex hormones might facilitate HCV clearance in women.…”

“…Conversely, plasma HCV RNA was constantly detectable or intermittently undetectable among persistently infected individuals until the end of the study. Acute hepatitis C is considered to run a course of approximately 6 months (4,20,23). In this respect, repeated evaluation of HCV RNA status during initial 24 weeks after clinical onset might serve as a good predictor of the disease outcome and could be used as a useful criterion considering the beginning of antiviral treatment.…”

Prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses, and evaluation of risk factors for transmission: Report of a population screening in Nigeria

“…[4,25] The higher prevalence of infection with the hepatitis viruses among males is thought to be related to the higher clearance rate of these viruses by females compared with males. [26,27] The female preponderance of HIV infection has been attributed to gender inequality, with females being less likely to be able to negotiate safe sex practices. [17] Individuals aged 18 -27 years had the highest prevalences of both HBV and HIV infection, while older age was associated with HCV infection.…”

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in the Population of Albania for the Period 2007-2010

“…Such a significant difference is observed in a study conducted in the years 1999-2002 (21) (Figure 2). The least incidence of HCV in females could be attributed to low exposure to HCV risk factors due to male dominating society of the area and also the estrogens hormone in females is considered to play a role in the spontaneous clearance of HCV infection (22)(23)(24).…”