[Use of combined detection of hepatitis C virus core antigen and antibodies to reduce the serological window-phase].
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we aimed at evaluating the performances of a combined assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus core antigen and antibodies and comparing this test with conventional third generation Elisa.


METHODS
Two hundred forty-one samples were included in this study and tested by Monolisa HCV Ag-Ab ULTRA, Biorad and compared to Monolisa Anti-HCV Plus. A comparative study was performed on a HCV seroconversion panel (Monolisa anti-HCV Plus, Biorad; Innotest HCV Ab IV, Innogenetics and Murex anti-HCV, Abbott). False positive samples were detected with western blot assay (INNO-LIA HCV Ab III, Innogenetics). Two anti-HCV negative haemodialysis patients with rise in ALT have been tested for RNA detection (Amplicor v2.0, Roche).


RESULTS
Results obtained with Biorad Ag-Ab were in agreement with third generation ELISA on HCV seroconversion panel. From anti-HCV negative patients, four samples were found low positive with HCV Ag-Ab. Two anti-HCV negative haemodialysis patients/HCV RNA positive were also negative with HCV Ag-Ab and 13 low positive samples with Biorad Ab were found negative with Ag-Ab.


CONCLUSIONS
The HCV Ag-Ab assay has a high specificity and sensitivity comparatively to conventional ELISA; but in our study we don't prove the reduction of the "serologic window" for detection of anti-HCV antibodies.
Hmaïed
F
F
Laboratoire de microbiologie, hôpital Charles-Nicolle, 1006 Tunis, Tunisie. fatma@planet.tn
Ben Mamou
M
M
Arrouji
Z
Z
Slim
A
A
Ben Redjeb
S
S
D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D014766:Viremia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D014758:Viral Core Proteins