Morphological analysis and assessment of HCV-RNA and ribavirin concentration in seminal fluid of chronic hepatitis C patients undergoing antiviral combination therapy

Background and Aim: Combination therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Due to the possible teratogenic effect of ribavirin effective contraception is mandatory during antiviral therapy. Aim of the study was to evaluate seminal parameters, ribavirin and HCVRNA concentration in seminal fluid and serum prior to and during antiviral treatment. Patients and Methods: 10 male patients (mean age: 43+9 (years+SD) with CHC were investigated. HCV genotype distribution was HCV-1 (n=5), HCV-2 (n=1), HCV-3 (n=1), HCV-4 (n=3). Seminal fluid (sperm concentratio…