Current position of viral load versus hepatitis C core antigen testing

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA quantification (viral load) is standard for diagnosing active infection.
• HCV core antigen, a viral structural protein, also indicates replication.
• Core antigen testing offers advantages like lower cost, target stability, and faster results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current HCV viral load platforms, including point-of-care systems.
• To review indications for HCV core antigen testing in treatment guidelines.
• To discuss core antigen characteristics, available platforms, and its correlation with viral load.

Main Methods:

• Review of current HCV viral load determination platforms.
• Analysis of HCV core antigen characteristics and detection platforms.
• Correlation analysis between HCV core antigen and viral load measurements.
• Examination of clinical guidelines for HCV marker indications.

Main Results:

• HCV core antigen detection is a viable alternative to viral load testing for active infection diagnosis.
• Core antigen offers benefits in cost, stability, and speed, though with lower sensitivity at low viremia levels.
• Studies and guidelines support core antigen utility in identifying patients with active HCV infection.

Conclusions:

• HCV core antigen testing presents a valuable, practical tool for managing Hepatitis C.
• Its advantages make it suitable for various clinical settings, complementing viral load assays.
• Further evaluation of core antigen platforms and guideline integration is supported.