An in-house method for the detection and quantification of HCV in serum samples using a TaqMan assay real time PCR approach.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide causing major human chronic pathology. Viral RNA can be detected 1-3 weeks after infection and in cases where HCV RNA is still detectable after 6 months, the patient is considered to be chronically infected. Early detection is crucial in preventing loss of treatment opportunities.


METHODS
Here, we present an in-house real time PCR TaqMan probe based screening method for the detection and quantification of the six recognized HCV genotypes and evaluate its efficiency with the use of quality control for molecular diagnostics HCV quantification panels.


CONCLUSIONS
The quantification method presented performed well with all quality control panels and is therefore an attractive approach for the clinical setting.
Bashiardes
Stavros
S
Department of Molecular Virology, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Richter
Jan
J
Christodoulou
Christina G
CG
D001483:Base Sequence; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic