Laboratory diagnostics for hepatitis C virus infection.
Identification of prevalent infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is based serologically on detecting anti-HCV immunoglobulin G, using immunoassays, immunoblot assays, and, more recently, immunochromatography-based rapid tests. None discriminate between active and resolved HCV infection. Tests for detecting HCV RNA identify active HCV infection but are costly. Serologic assays for HCV antigens have been developed and show potential for diagnosis of active HCV infection, and their performance characteristics are undergoing evaluation. The diagnosis of acute HCV infection without the demonstration of seroconversion remains elusive.
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. skamili@cdc.gov
Saleem
S
Kamili
Jan
J
Drobeniuc
Aufra C
AC
Araujo
Tonya M
TM
Hayden
D000208:Acute Disease; D015415:Biomarkers; D002846:Chromatography, Affinity / Q000379:methods; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting / Q000379:methods; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007753:Laboratories; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D012367:RNA, Viral