Hepatitis C virus antibody detection by a line immunoassay and (near) full length genomic RNA detection by a new RNA-capture polymerase chain reaction.

A rapid and simple RNA-capture polymerase chain reaction assay (RCPA) for detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is described. The assay detects specifically the presence of (near) full length genomic RNA of HCV by capturing HCV-RNA at the 3' terminal end on magnetic beads, followed by cDNA synthesis and PCR with 5' end specific primers. Sera were obtained from 30 chimpanzees inoculated with non-A, non-B hepatitis material from various sources, 28-122 months after infection. The sera were tested for the presence of HCV-RNA by RCPA and for HCV antibodies by a Line ImmunoAssay (Inno-LIA HCV Ab). Both tests were compared and show a high degree of agreement. Screening of 30 chimpanzee sera revealed either clearing of the virus below detection level (22/30) or development of a HCV carrier state (8/30). Only 1 of 11 LIA-indeterminate samples was positive by RCPA. As the RCPA is more sensitive, it can be used to test for the presence of HCV in sera which are classified indeterminate by the LIA. The outcome of the infection seems to be independent of the nature of the inocula, suggesting that the individual immune response could determine either clearing of the virus or the development of chronic infection.