Infection with multiple hepatitis C virus genotypes detected using commercial tests should be confirmed using next generation sequencing

Sci Rep. 2019 Jun 25;9(1):9264. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-42605-z.

Abstract

Current HCV genotyping methods may have some limitations in detecting mixed infections. We aimed to determine the accuracy of genotyping and the detection of mixed-genotype infections using the Abbott-RealTime HCV Genotype II assay (Abbott-RT-PCR) in comparison with a Roche-Next Generation Sequencing assay (Roche-NGS). Plasma samples collected from 139 HCV-infected patients tested with Abbott-RT-PCR, 114 with single genotype (GT) and 25 with mixed GTs were genotyped using Roche-NGS. Roche-NGS confirmed all single GTs obtained with Abbott-RT-PCR. One case of Abbott GT 4 was found as GT 1a using Roche-NGS. Genotype 5 was confirmed using Roche-NGS in 75% cases (3 out of 4 cases). Twenty-five patients were identified as having mixed HCVinfections using Abbott-RT-PCR. The concordance between Abbott-RT-PCR and Roche-NGS was 76% (19 out of 25 cases). Three mixed-GT infections identified with the Abbott assay (two (1b + 4); one (1a + 3)) were reported as pure 1b using Roche-NGS. Very divergent results were found for the other three samples. When compared to Roche-NGS, Abbott-RT-PCR has performed excellently for the determination of patients infected with single GTs. For patients that are categorized as having a mixed infection using Abbott-RT-PCR, we recommend an NGS assay as a confirmation test.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Genotyping Techniques
  • Hepacivirus / classification*
  • Hepacivirus / genetics*
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins