What condition is indicated by reactive HCV RNA, nonreactive Anti-HCV (IgM), and reactive Anti-HCV (IgG)?

The combination of reactive HCV RNA, nonreactive Anti-HCV (IgM), and reactive Anti-HCV (IgG) indicates a chronic infection. In this scenario, the reactive HCV RNA confirms the presence of the hepatitis C virus in the bloodstream, which is essential for diagnosing active infection.

The presence of Anti-HCV (IgG) suggests that the individual has been exposed to the virus and has developed an immune response, typically occurring after the acute phase. The absence of Anti-HCV (IgM) is key here; it indicates that there is no ongoing acute phase of infection, as IgM antibodies are typically the first antibodies produced in response to a recent infection. Instead, the detectable IgG antibodies indicate that the infection has likely persisted beyond the acute stage, which aligns with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C infection.

In light of this reasoning, chronic infection is the most fitting interpretation of these serological findings.