Author/Authors :
Shemis, Mohamed Abbas Theodor Bilharz Research Institute - Department of Biochemistry, Egypt , El-Abd, Dina Mohamed Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Egypt , Ramadan, Dalia Ibrahim Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Egypt , El-Sayed, Mohamed Ibrahim Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Biochemistry, Egypt , Shenoda Guirgis, Bassem the American University in Cairo - Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center, Egypt , Saber, Mohamed Ali Theodor Bilharz Research Institute - Department of Biochemistry, Egypt , El-Said Azzazy, Hassan Mohamed the American University in Cairo - Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center, Egypt , El-Said Azzazy, Hassan Mohamed the American University in Cairo. - Department of Chemistry, Egypt
Abstract :
Background: At least six HCV (hepatitis C virus) genotypes are unequally distributed worldwide. HCV genotyping guides the selection of treatment regimens and provides important epidemiological markers that enable the outbreak source to be traced and the spread of disease to be controlled. In Egypt, there is an increasing need for cost-ef- fective, fast, and easily performable HCV genotyping assays.Recently, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to determine HCV genotypes. It employs genotype-specific primers, based on sequences of the entire core region and part of the 5’UTR of the genome. Objectives: In this study, we compared a simple, new, modified multiplex PCR system for HCV genotyping with a commercially available line probe assay (INNO-LiPA) that is based on reverse hybridization. Patients and Methods: Serum samples from chronic HCV Egyptian patients (n = 73) were genotyped using the modified multiplex PCR assay, and genotypes were verified using the INNO-LiPA HCV II assay. Results: The modified multiplex PCR method was able to type HCV-4 in 65 of 70 typeable samples (92.86%) and had 100% concordance with the INNO-LiPA assay. Conclusions: Genotype 4 was the most prevalent genotype in our study. Based on our results, the modified multiplex nested PCR assay is a sensitive and inexpensive alterna- tive for HCV genotyping and can be used in routine diagnostic laboratories. INNO-LiPA may be useful as a second-line assay for genotyping samples that are indeterminate by multiplex PCR. This approach will effect better treatment optimization and a reduction of the spread of HCV. c
