HVC can reach brain

Scientists at the University of Birmingham recently found that human brain cells can become infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Working with the Manhattan Brain Bank in New York City, researchers of the University's School of Immunity and Infection detected genomic material in the brains of four out of 10 infected patients who posthumously donated brain and liver tissue.

Scientists say the findings indicate that HCV infected brain endothelial cells may provide a reservoir for the virus and persist during antiviral treatment.

Since endothelial cells make up the security system, if the barrier is compromised, all kinds of substances can enter the brain, which may explain the fatigue and other symptoms reported by HCV patients.

China Daily - Reuters