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Hepatitis C virus core mutations reduce the sensitivity of a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay

H Tokita1, G R Kaufmann, M Matsubayashi

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, National Tokyo Hospital, Kiyose-Shi, Tokyo 204-0023, Japan.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|September 2, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A specific mutation in hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lower core antigen detection by fluorescence enzyme immunoassays (FEIA). This finding impacts HCV diagnostics and monitoring in infected individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Diagnostic Assays

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • Accurate quantification of viral load and markers is crucial for managing HCV infection.
  • Fluorescence enzyme immunoassays (FEIA) are commonly used to detect HCV core antigen.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate discrepancies between HCV RNA levels and HCV core antigen levels detected by FEIA.
  • To identify the molecular basis for reduced FEIA sensitivity in certain HCV samples.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 107 samples from HCV carriers.
  • Comparison of HCV core antigen levels (FEIA) with HCV RNA levels.
  • Nucleotide sequencing of the HCV core region in discrepant samples.

Main Results:

  • Four out of 107 samples exhibited lower than expected HCV core antigen levels relative to HCV RNA levels.
  • Nucleotide sequencing identified a Thr49Pro mutation in the HCV core region of these samples.
  • This mutation is associated with reduced sensitivity of the FEIA for HCV core antigen detection.

Conclusions:

  • The Thr49Pro mutation in the HCV core region can interfere with FEIA performance.
  • This genetic variation may lead to underestimation of viral antigen levels.
  • Understanding such mutations is important for improving the accuracy of HCV diagnostic assays.

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