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Hepatitis C virus core antigen for screening organ donors and recipients

Rafael Benito1, Jorge Arribas2, Sonia Algarate1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain; Service of Microbiology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|February 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening in organ donation benefits from using both anti-HCV and HCV core antigen (HCV-Ag) tests. The HCV-Ag assay identifies infections missed by anti-HCV alone, improving donor and recipient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Transplant Medicine

Background:

  • Routine screening for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is crucial in organ donation and transplantation.
  • Current standard screening relies on anti-HCV antibody detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of the ARCHITECT HCV Ag Assay as an alternative screening method for HCV in organ donors and recipients.
  • To compare the performance of HCV core antigen (HCV-Ag) detection with traditional anti-HCV antibody testing.

Main Methods:

  • Simultaneous testing of 315 serum samples from potential organ donors and recipients.
  • Utilized two chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays: ARCHITECT Anti-HCV and ARCHITECT HCV Ag.
  • Analyzed concordance and discordant results between the two assays.

Main Results:

  • HCV-Ag was detected in 25.71% of samples, while anti-HCV was detected in 27.62%.
  • 92.59% of HCV-Ag positive samples were also anti-HCV positive, with 94.29% overall concordance.
  • The HCV-Ag assay identified six cases missed by anti-HCV testing, including one with a significant viral load.

Conclusions:

  • The ARCHITECT HCV Ag Assay can detect HCV infections missed by anti-HCV antibody testing alone.
  • Combined use of both anti-HCV and HCV-Ag assays is recommended for comprehensive HCV screening in organ donation and transplantation settings.
  • This dual testing strategy enhances the safety of organ transplantation by minimizing the risk of HCV transmission.

Keywords:
HCV core antigenHepatitis CTransplant screening

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