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Detection of Hepatitis C Core Antigen in the Antibody Negative ‘Window’ Phase of Hepatitis C Infection
Author(s) -
Peterson J.,
Green G.,
Iida K.,
Caldwell B.,
Kerrison P.,
Bernich S.,
Aoyagi K.,
Lee S.R.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1046/j.1423-0410.2000.7820080.x
Subject(s) - seroconversion , virology , hepatitis c virus , antigen , antibody , serology , window period , medicine , hepacivirus , hepatitis c , immunology , viral disease , virus
Background and Objectives:Despite improvements in assays for anti–HCV, there remains a significant delay before the appearance of antibodies following infection, during which, circulating viral RNA is present. We have evaluated a prototype assay for the serological detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen with specimens derived from the early phase of HCV infection. Materials and Methods: Serial specimens from 24 individuals undergoing HCV seroconversion were tested for the presence of anti–HCV, HCV RNA and HCV core antigen. Results: HCV antigen was detected at the same time as HCV RNA in 83% (20/24) cases. The mean time to the first detection of HCV antigen was approximately 1 day later than HCV RNA. Overall, 87% of HCV–RNA–positive specimens contained detectable HCV core antigen. Conclusion: These results indicate that HCV core antigen can be identified by routine serological ELISA in specimens from the early antibody–negative phase of HCV infection. A test for HCV core antigen may be a useful test for identifying window phase blood donations from antibody negative donors infected with HCV.