Immunoglobulin M antibodies against hepatitis C virus antigens: significance and applications.
The immunoglobulin M antibody against hepatitis C viral capsid (core) antigen has been found to be a possible marker for acute infection in post-transfusion hepatitis C. We extended this observation to a sporadic hepatitis C. In addition, a modified recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) that contained three HCV antigens (capsid, NS3 and NS5) in one strip was developed and used to study the antibody response among patients. This allowed a simultaneous comparison of either immunoglobulin M or G specific to individual HCV antigen and yielded more information. The assay was found useful in the diagnosis of acute hepatitis C in clinically uncertain cases.
Chen
P J
PJ
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei.
Hwang
L H
LH
Chang
L Y
LY
Kao
J H
JH
Chen
D S
DS
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M