Eradication of hepatitis C virus after a 5-week treatment

The standard regimen for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is peginterferon alpha-2a or -2b associated with ribavirine. The recommended duration of treatment for genotype 2 HCV infection is 24 weeks. However, the relatively poor drug tolerance often leads to a reduction or a discontinuation of the treatment. Here, we report two female patients who discontinued antiviral therapy after less than 6 weeks for intolerance and who experienced a sustained virological response. A treatment of 3 to 5 weeks may be enough for genotype 2 HCV eradication. However, there is not sufficient evidence in 2009 to recommend a reduced treatment duration. (C) 2009 Societe nationale francaise de medecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.