Comparison of HCV RNA assays for the detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus RNA levels in serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Comparison of HCV RNA assays for the detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus RNA levels in serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon.

J Med Virol. 1997 May;52(1):105-12. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97278132
Trabaud MA; Bailly F; Si-Ahmed SN; Chevallier P; Sepetjan M; Colucci G; Trepo C; Unite de recherche sur les Virus des hepatites, (INSERM U271), Lyon,; France.

Abstract: Detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels by using the standardized qualitative Amplicor HCV and quantitative Amplicor HCV Monitor assays (Roche Molecular Systems) were evaluated in 48 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon. Results were compared with an in-house reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and the branched DNA (bDNA) assay (Quantiplex, version 1.0, Chiron Diagnostics). Concordance of the qualitative results with the Amplicor HCV and in-house RT-PCR assays occurred in 82% of the samples. All but one of the discrepant specimens were found positive by the Amplicor HCV assay and negative by the in-house RT-PCR. Among the samples with HCV RNA levels measurable with the Amplicor HCV Monitor assay, 22% had HCV RNA titers below the detection limit of the Quantiplex assay. A statistically significant correlation was found between the 2 quantitative assays, although lower titers were obtained with the Amplicor HCV Monitor assay. More important, a good correlation was observed in the evolution of viremia as measured by the 2 assays during interferon therapy. During follow-up of interferon treatments, with the Amplicor HCV Monitor assay, persisting viremia was still detected in 27% of the patients who normalised alanine aminotransferase (ALT), emphasizing the bioclinical relevance of the assay. Pre-treatment serum HCV RNA levels above 10(5) copies/ml were found more frequently in nonresponders than in responders (76% vs. 44%; P < 0.05). Given their great sensitivity and the significant correlations, the Amplicor HCV qualitative and quantitative assays appear useful for the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C infection, and especially for monitoring of therapy.

Keywords: *Gene Amplification/METHODS *Hepatitis C/DIAGNOSIS *Hepatitis C/VIROLOGY *Hepatitis C-Like Viruses/GENETICS *Hepatitis, Chronic Active/DIAGNOSIS *Hepatitis, Chronic Active/VIROLOGY *Interferons/THERAPEUTIC USE *RNA, Viral/BLOOD
970930
M9791319

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .