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High frequency of false-positive hepatitis C virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in Rakai, Uganda
Caroline E Mullis1, Oliver Laeyendecker, Steven J Reynolds
1Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence was 7.6% in Uganda, but no active infections were detected. This study highlights the need for further research into HCV epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
- The epidemiological landscape of HCV in sub-Saharan Africa is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Rakai, Uganda.
- To determine the presence of active HCV infections in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A total of 1000 individuals from Rakai, Uganda, were screened for HCV antibodies using the Ortho version 3.0 HCV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
- Serologically positive samples were further tested for the presence of HCV RNA to confirm active infection.
Main Results:
- 7.6% (76 out of 1000) of participants tested positive for HCV antibodies.
- None of the antibody-positive samples showed detectable levels of HCV RNA, indicating no confirmed active infections.
Conclusions:
- While a notable percentage of the Ugandan population exhibited HCV antibodies, active viral RNA was not detected.
- Further research is warranted to understand the discrepancy between antibody presence and RNA detection for Hepatitis C virus in this region.
Abstract:
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in sub-Saharan Africa remains unclear. We tested 1000 individuals from Rakai, Uganda, with the Ortho version 3.0 HCV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All serologically positive samples were tested for HCV RNA. Seventy-six of the 1000 (7.6%) participants were HCV antibody positive; none were confirmed by detection of HCV RNA.
