Recognition of multiple classes of hepatitis C antibodies increases detection sensitivity in oral fluid

Clin Diagn Lab Immunol. 2001 Nov;8(6):1267-70. doi: 10.1128/CDLI.8.6.1267-1270.2001.

Abstract

Paired serum-oral fluid samples from 127 hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive and 31 HCV-negative patients were tested for the presence of anti-HCV using the Ortho HCV 3.0 ELISA. Using the immunoglobulin G (IgG)-specific detection antibody provided with the HCV 3.0 ELISA we attained 100% sensitivity and specificity with serum samples; however, sensitivity in oral fluid samples was only 81%. By modifying the HCV 3.0 ELISA to utilize a secondary antibody cocktail that recognizes not only IgG but IgA and IgM as well, we attained 100% specificity and sensitivity with oral fluid samples.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Specificity*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis
  • Mouth / immunology
  • Mouth / virology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Hepatitis C Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M