[Detection of hepatitis C virus genomes using PCR method].

Recently, an assay system for anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV-Ab) was developed. However, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) itself must be detected. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect the HCV-RNA genome in the plasma of patients with non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis related liver diseases. The PCR method is clinically useful to diagnose the early phase of HCV infection, and to judge the effect of the anti viral therapy (Interferon, etc.). Two primers were used in this study (one based on the NS5 region, another on the 5' non-coding region). Primers based on the 5' non-coding region are superior in the point of sensitivity. The PCR method is useful in diagnosing HCV infection, but special care must be taken, such as avoiding RNase contamination, and keeping the samples in a deep freezer, when using it as a routine laboratory procedure.