PEPTIDE-BASED ENZYME IMMUNOASSAYS FOR DETECTING HEPATITIS-C ANTIBODIES IN SERA OF PEOPLE AT HIGH-RISK

Aim-To evaluate the performance of three newly introduced enzyme immun oassays (EIAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, based on synthe tic oligopeptides as antigens. Methods-Referred serum samples (n = 173 ) from people representing groups at high risk of HCV infection were s tudied. An EIA based on second generation recombinant polypeptide anti gens was used for comparison. EIA reactivities were validated by testi ng repeatedly reactive samples in two recombinant antigen based immuno blot assays. Results-In samples from patients with liver dysfunction a nd those with bleeding disorders sensitivity of the three peptide base d EIAs, manufactured by Innogenetics NV, Biokit SA, and United Biomedi cal Inc., were all 93%; specificity and efficiency were all greater th an 95%. In samples from blood donors (previously tested as positive by the Ortho and Abbott Second Generation EIA) specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency were 95% or greater in all three peptide assays. Sensi tivity, specificity, and efficiency of the recombinant antigen based O rtho Second Generation EIA were 100%, 89%, and 93%, respectively, in s era of patients with liver disease and those with bleeding disorders; and 100%, 43%, and 83%, respectively, in prescreened samples from bloo d donors. Conclusion-The peptide EIAs are more specific but less sensi tive than the Ortho EIA. Peptide based EIAs should be useful in valida ting the specificity of Ortho EIA reactivities.