Les outils du diagnostic de l’infection par le virus de l’hépatite C

[Microbiological diagnosis of viral hepatitis]

Hepatitis of viral aetiology caused by hepatotropic virus (A, E, B, D and C) represents an important work load for the clinical virology laboratory. Most of the diagnostic is based upon detection in serum and plasma samples of different serological and virological markers, which correlates with different infection stages. In chronic infection by HBV and HCV is necessary to perform diagnostic by molecular methods as well as antigen detection in sequential samples along the course of the disease taking into account that a reliable storage must be provided for stability of structural components of the virus. Recent knowledge about mutations variants in some of the virus may alter the validity of particular markers.

[Use of combined detection of hepatitis C virus core antigen and antibodies to reduce the serological window-phase]

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed at evaluating the performances of a combined assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus core antigen and antibodies and comparing this test with conventional third generation Elisa.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred forty-one samples were included in this study and tested by Monolisa HCV Ag-Ab ULTRA, Biorad and compared to Monolisa Anti-HCV Plus. A comparative study was performed on a HCV seroconversion panel (Monolisa anti-HCV Plus, Biorad; Innotest HCV Ab IV, Innogenetics and Murex anti-HCV, Abbott). False positive samples were detected with western blot assay (INNO-LIA HCV Ab III, Innogenetics). Two anti-HCV negative haemodialysis patients with rise in ALT have been tested for RNA detection (Amplicor v2.0, Roche).

RESULTS

Results obtained with Biorad Ag-Ab were in agreement with third generation ELISA on HCV seroconversion panel. From anti-HCV negative patients, four samples were found low positive with HCV Ag-Ab. Two anti-HCV negative haemodialysis patients/HCV RNA positive were also negative with HCV Ag-Ab and 13 low positive samples with Biorad Ab were found negative with Ag-Ab.

CONCLUSION

The HCV Ag-Ab assay has a high specificity and sensitivity comparatively to conventional ELISA; but in our study we don't prove the reduction of the "serologic window" for detection of anti-HCV antibodies.