Recognition of multiple classes of hepatitis C antibodies increases detection sensitivity in oral fluid.
Paired serum-oral fluid samples from 127 hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive and 31 HCV-negative patients were tested for the presence of anti-HCV using the Ortho HCV 3.0 ELISA. Using the immunoglobulin G (IgG)-specific detection antibody provided with the HCV 3.0 ELISA we attained 100% sensitivity and specificity with serum samples; however, sensitivity in oral fluid samples was only 81%. By modifying the HCV 3.0 ELISA to utilize a secondary antibody cocktail that recognizes not only IgG but IgA and IgM as well, we attained 100% specificity and sensitivity with oral fluid samples.
Zmuda
J F
JF
Immunomatrix Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, USA. JonZmuda@clark.net
Wagoneer
B
B
Liotta
L
L
Whiteley
G
G
D000918:Antibody Specificity; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D009055:Mouth / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M