A simplified semiquantitative determination of hepatitis C virus genome molecules by the end-point dilution method.
We describe a semiquantitative method to measure hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral particle numbers, by carrying out reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on serial dilutions of serum samples. The virus concentrations measured were 10(3)-10(6) viral particles ml-1 of serum. The method described is relatively quick, and the only required manipulation is dilution of the serum. An optimal RT-PCR method is used for diluted and undiluted samples.
Bathelier
C
C
LCL Laboratory, Paris, France.
Mercier
G
G
Lucotte
G
G
D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007201:Indicator Dilution Techniques; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D019562:Viral Load / Q000379:methods*; D014766:Viremia / Q000821:virology
D012367:RNA, Viral