Determination of HCV genotype using two antibody assays and genome typing

Two serotyping assays for hepatitis C virus (Serotyping 1-6 assay; Murex, U K and RIBA Serotyping SI: Chiron. USA) were compared to a standardized geno typing assay (Inno-LiPA HCV Il, Innogenetics, Belgium) using serum samples collected from 126 patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus. Se rotyping was positive in 87% and 80% of the samples tested with Murex and C hiron. respectively, and concordant with genotyping in 93% and 88%, respect ively. Sequence analysis of the NS5b region of 15 samples with discrepant t yping results confirmed the Inno-LiPA finding in all instances. The Murex e nzyme immunoassay serotyping method was less sensitive for identifying geno type 2 (P < 0.05). The concordance with genotyping of the RIBA serotyping m ethod was lower for genotype 2 than for the other genotypes (P < 0.05).