Evaluation of third-generation assays for detection of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and comparison with presence of HCV RNA in blood donors reactive to c100-3 antigen.
We tested serum samples from blood donors by using first-, second-, and third-generation enzyme immunoassays or recombinant immunoblot assays. Second- and third-generation assays gave comparable results. Circulating hepatitis C virus RNA was found in a high proportion of reactive samples. A lack of reactivity or low-level reactivity predicted the absence of hepatitis C virus RNA in 100% of the cases.
Lavanchy
D
D
Division of Immunology and Allergy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mayerat
C
C
Morel
B
B
Schneider
P
P
Zufferey
C
C
Gonvers
J J
JJ
Pécoud
A
A
Frei
P C
PC
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D001782:Blood Donors; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; C064544:C100 protein, hepatitis C virus; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins