Hepatitis C core Ag and its clinical applicability: potential advantages and disadvantages for diagnosis and...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Viral Immunology
• Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health issue, often asymptomatic.
• Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of HCV typically rely on molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HCV RNA detection.
• The high cost of molecular tests limits their accessibility, particularly in developing nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize findings on the utility of hepatitis C core antigen (HCVcAg) as a surrogate marker for HCV RNA.
• To evaluate the clinical applicability of measuring HCVcAg levels for monitoring HCV patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies investigating the correlation between HCVcAg levels and HCV RNA.
• Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of using HCVcAg in clinical settings.
• Focus on applicability in monitoring patients, especially after initial HCV RNA confirmation.

Main Results:

• HCVcAg measurement presents both benefits and drawbacks compared to HCV RNA quantification.
• Studies indicate that HCVcAg levels can be associated with viral load, though not a perfect substitute.
• The cost-effectiveness of HCVcAg assays makes them attractive for broader use.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis C core antigen (HCVcAg) shows potential as a valuable tool for monitoring chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
• HCVcAg may serve as a practical, more affordable alternative or adjunct to HCV RNA monitoring in specific clinical scenarios.
• Further validation is needed, but HCVcAg can aid in managing HCV patients, particularly after baseline RNA testing.