primate assay data sheet
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) by PCR
Test code: S0045
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Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of hepatitis C virus by
reverse transcription coupled real time polymerase chain
reaction
Hepatitis C
virus (HCV) is member of the Flaviviridae family and is the
major causative agent of parenterally transmitted non-A, non-B
hepatitis worldwide. Genetic analysis of this virus led to the
discovery of six major genetic groups (genotypes 1-6) and
multiple minor genetic groups (subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, etc.).
To date, chimpanzees represent the only appropriate animal model
for studying HCV infection, as they are easily infected with
human hepatitis C virus and develop acute or chronic hepatitis (Farci
and Purcell, 1993; Schlauder et al., 1991). HCV infection in
other wild or captive non-human primates is still controversial
and the possibility of such infection cannot be ruled out (Korzaya
et al., 2002; Peli et al., 2002).
Diagnostic
tests currently available either detect direct antibodies to HCV
(anti-HCV) or HCV RNA. Anti-HCV indicates prior exposure to HCV
but does not distinguish between cleared and active infection.
An additional immunoassay such as RIBA may confirm the status of
infection, but such immunoassays have a high indeterminate rate.
Detection of HCV RNA by reverse transcription PCR offers a more
rapid, sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of active HCV
infection.
Utilities:
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Help confirm the disease causing agent
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Help ensure that animal colonies are free of Hepatitis C
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Early prevention of spread of this virus among a colony
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Minimize personnel exposure to this virus
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Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines
that derive from primates
References:
Farci, P. and Purcell, R.H. (1993) Hepatitis C virus: natural
history and experimental models. In: Zuckerman AJ, Thomas HC,
eds. Viral hepatitis: scientific basis and clinical management.
Edinburg, UK: Churchill Livingstone, 241-267.
Korzaya, L.I.,
Lapin, B.A., Keburiya, V.V. and Chikobava, M.G. (2002)
Spontaneous infection of lower primates with hepatitis C virus.
Bull Exp Biol Med. 133:178-181.
Peli, A., Scagliarini, A.,
Cinotti, S. and Martinelli, G.N. (2002) Seropositivity to HCV in
Macaca fascicularis. New Microbiol. 25:231-234.
Schlauder,
G.G., Leverenz, G.J., Amann, C.W., Lesniewski, R.R. and
Peterson, D.A. (1991) Detection of the hepatitis C virus genome
in acute and chronic experimental infection in chimpanzees. J
Clin Microbiol 29: 2175-2179.
Specimen requirement: 0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) tube, or 0.2 ml plasma or serum,
or 0.2 ml fresh or frozen liver tissue.
Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.
For all
specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during
very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship
with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are
specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain
frozen in transit. See shipping
instructions for more information.
Turnaround time:
2 business days
Methodology:
Qualitative reverse transcription coupled real time PCR
Normal range:
Nondetected