Early detection of hepatitis C virus infection by use of a new combined antigen-antibody detection assay: potential use for high-risk individuals.
The performance of a new combined antigen-antibody assay (Monolisa HCV Ag-Ab Ultra; Bio-Rad Laboratories) was evaluated in the context of acute hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. The combined assay became positive as early as the first PCR and earlier than a third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 65% of the cases. Reduction of the long period of HCV seronegativity should improve the diagnosis of hepatitis C infection, especially in high-risk populations.
Schnuriger
A
A
Department of Virology, Hôpital La Pitié-Salpêtrière, 83, Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France.
Dominguez
S
S
Valantin
M-A
MA
Tubiana
R
R
Duvivier
C
C
Ghosn
J
J
Simon
A
A
Katlama
C
C
Thibault
V
V
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic