HCV Diagnostics

Question 1

HCV RNA detection

NNUH uses NeuMoDx platform for lysis, extraction, amplification, detection

What targets are used for HCV RNA detection?

Answer 1

Identification of highly conserved region between HCV genotypes

HCV RNA has one large ORF, and is flanked by untranslated regions at 3’ and 5’ ends, which are highly conserved between genotypes

As the initiation sites for RNA synthesis, both 5′UTR and 3′UTR contain signals that are indispensable for and regulate viral RNA replication. 5’ end is usually used target for PCR detection

An untranslated region (or UTR) refers to either of two sections, one on each side of a coding sequence on a strand of mRNA. If it is found on the 5’ side, it is called the 5’ UTR (or leader sequence), or if it is found on the 3’ side, it is called the 3’ UTR (or trailer sequence).

Question 2

Architect uses chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay to detect HCV antibody

Targets highly conserved regions of HCV

What are the targets?

Answer 2

• HCr43 - recombinant antigen produced by E.coli
  - contains nucleotide sequence from core/ NS3 regions
• c100-3 - recombinant antigen produced in yeast
  - contains nucleotide sequence from NS3/ NS4 regions