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Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C: recent trends in electrochemical immunosensor and genosensor analysis
Carolina V Uliana1, Carla S Riccardi1, Hideko Yamanaka1
1Carolina V Uliana, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, CP 676, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil.
Insights
Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising approach for detecting the hepatitis C virus (HCV). These rapid and sensitive devices can aid in diagnosing and monitoring this widespread liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) detection
- Electrochemical biosensors
- Viral diagnostics
Background:
- Hepatitis C is a significant global liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), affecting an estimated 150 million people worldwide.
- HCV exhibits high genetic variability, with six major genotypes and 15 subtypes, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
- Current diagnostic methods include antibody tests, viral load assays, genotyping, and liver biopsy, highlighting the need for advanced detection technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current electrochemical immunosensor and genosensor technologies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) detection.
- To assess the potential of electrochemical biosensors for clinical applications in viral infections.
- To highlight the need for rapid, sensitive, and robust diagnostic devices for HCV.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on electrochemical immunosensors and genosensors for HCV detection.
- Analysis of the principles and applications of electrochemical biosensor technologies in virology.
- Evaluation of the performance characteristics of reported HCV detection devices.
Main Results:
- Limited publications currently exist on electrochemical biosensors for HCV detection.
- Electrochemical biosensors demonstrate potential for sensitive, specific, and reliable HCV detection.
- These devices offer advantages in terms of simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemical biosensors represent a promising technology for the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- Further research and development are needed to fully realize the clinical potential of these devices.
- Electrochemical biosensors could significantly improve the management of viral infections, including HCV.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. An estimated 150 million individuals worldwide have been chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C shows significant genetic variation in the global population, due to the high rate of viral RNA mutation. There are six variants of the virus (HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), with 15 recorded subtypes that vary in prevalence across different regions of the world. A variety of devices are used to diagnose hepatitis C, including HCV antibody test, HCV viral load test, HCV genotype test and liver biopsy. Rapid, inexpensive, sensitive, and robust analytical devices are therefore essential for effective diagnosis and monitoring of disease treatment. This review provides an overview of current electrochemical immunosensor and genosensor technologies employed in HCV detection. There are a limited number of publications showing electrochemical biosensors being used for the detection of HCV. Due to their simplicity, specificity, and reliability, electrochemical biosensor devices have potential clinical applications in several viral infections.
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