hepatitis C virus NS4 antibodies

[milen]

Dear bionet virologists,

Could someone comment on the possible expanation of the absence of anti-NS4
antibodies in a group of patients with chronic HCV infection.

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Milen 


Milen Vassilev MD
Clinic of Gastroenterology
Univ. Hosp. "St Ivan Rilskii"
15, D.Nestorov str.,
Sofia -1431
Bulgaria
phone : ++359 2 590060
fax   : ++359 2 592006
fax   : ++359 2 591043
e-mail: milen at sun.medun.acad.bg(office)
        mvasilev at sf.cit.bg(private)