Comparison of HCV core antigen and anti-HCV with HCV RNA results

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunodiagnostics

Background:

• Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection rely on detecting anti-HCV antibodies and viral nucleic acid.
• Immunological and molecular methods are crucial for HCV diagnosis and patient follow-up.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of HCV core antigen (HCV core Ag) positivity in anti-HCV antibody-positive sera for laboratory diagnosis.
• To assess the correlation between serum HCV core Ag levels and HCV RNA levels in diagnosing HCV infection.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 115 patients with suspected hepatitis C and positive anti-HCV antibody results.
• Chemiluminescent and molecular assays were used to detect anti-HCV antibody, HCV core Ag, and HCV RNA.
• Specific systems included Vitros ECiQ, Architect i2000, and RT-PCR.

Main Results:

• HCV core Antigen assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.5% and specificity of 100%.
• The assay achieved a positive predictive value of 100% and an accuracy rate of 88.7%.
• Negative predictive value was found to be 59.4%.

Conclusions:

• HCV core Ag assay is a practical, cost-effective diagnostic method for HCV infection due to its high specificity and positive predictive value.
• The assay's ease of performance supports its use in laboratory diagnosis.
• Limitations include potentially lower sensitivity and negative predictive value, necessitating careful interpretation.