Human hepatitis C antivirals eradicate virus in long-infected chimpanzees
Human direct-acting antivirals cleared hepatitis C infection in eight chimpanzees, including some infected for over four decades, according to a Japanese study.
A team of scientists from Kyoto University and Kumamoto University administered human hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, mixed into food or drink, to eight chimpanzees that had been experimentally infected since the 1970s. After varying treatment periods, six of the animals had no detectable virus six months post-treatment, whereas two still tested positive; one of those did not respond even after an additional drug was added, possibly due to resistance.
The six virus-free chimpanzees exhibited improved liver function, but two of the treated animals later succumbed to liver cancer, a condition likely established before the antiviral regimen because of their 40-year infection history. The study, published in the July issue of the Journal of Medical Virology, highlights that human hepatitis C drugs can eradicate long-standing infection in chimpanzees and calls for ongoing health monitoring of infected primates.
Professor Satoshi Hirata emphasized the need to consider the welfare of chimpanzees used in research. The results may inform future care and treatment strategies for these animals.
Why it matters
The study shows human hepatitis C drugs can cure chronic infection in chimpanzees, impacting animal welfare and research practices.
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