Genotype-dependent serologic reactivities in patients infected with hepatitis C virus in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the serologic reactivities in patients infected with different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes to four HCV proteins that are components of the second-generation recombinant immunoblot assay.


METHODS
Serum samples from 36 patients with chronic HCV infection were obtained. RNA was extracted by using chaotropic lysis and isopropanol precipitation. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of the NS-5 region was performed, followed by automated single-pass dideoxy sequencing of desalted amplification products. Classification of isolated HCV subtypes was based on Simmonds' system. All samples were tested for antibodies to proteins 5-1-1, C100-3, C33c, and C22-3 with the second-generation recombinant immunoblot assay.


RESULTS
Reactivity to protein 5-1-1 was significantly lower for patients with genotypes 2b and 3a than for those infected with HCV types 1a or 1b (P < 0.05). Antibody reactivity to the C100-3 protein was also reduced in patients infected with HCV types 2b and 3a.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that the genotype-dependent differences in serologic reactivities are substantial among patients with chronic HCV infection.
Zein
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Division of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Rakela
J
J
Persing
D H
DH
D001483:Base Sequence; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000235:genetics; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting / Q000379:methods; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000276:immunology
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D014764:Viral Proteins