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Post-SVR HCV Antibody Persistence — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardHepatitisPost-SVR HCV Antibody PersistenceSCE Infectious Diseases

A man cured of hepatitis C three years ago continues to inject drugs. His HCV antibody remains positive and HCV RNA is undetectable. How should future possible reinfection be assessed?

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Correct answer: B — Use serial HCV RNA testing to identify viraemia after successful treatment

HCV antibody commonly remains positive after spontaneous clearance or successful treatment and does not protect against reinfection. In a person with ongoing exposure risk, reinfection is assessed with HCV RNA rather than repeat antibody titre. Ongoing risk warrants repeat RNA-based testing; genotype testing becomes relevant only after current viraemia is established.

Reference: UKHSA: Hepatitis C migrant health guide: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hepatitis-c-migrant-health-guide