The detection of hepatitis viruses.
The hepatitis viruses, named A-E, cause acute and chronic liver disease depending on the virus. Laboratory-based diagnosis relies on the detection of specific markers of infection for each virus, through the use of appropriate serological tests. In recent years, molecular tests that rely on the amplification of viral nucleic acids have also been employed, not only in confirming active viral replication but also in monitoring antiviral treatment efficacy. Some of these tests that are currently in use in routine diagnostic laboratories are outlined in this chapter.
Department of Medicine A, Hepatology Section, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK. p.karayiannis@imperial.ac.uk
Peter
P
Karayiannis
D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006518:Hepatitis Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods
D004279:DNA, Viral