Automated Low Cost Method of Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus

Authors

  • Faiz MMT Marikar General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Ratmalana
  • Dammika Senevirathna Genetech Molecular Diagnostics and School of Gene Technology, Kithulampitiya Mawatha, Colombo 8
  • Neil Fernandopulle Genetech Molecular Diagnostics and School of Gene Technology, Kithulampitiya Mawatha, Colombo 8

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i3.22270

Keywords:

Dig-dUTP, HCV, RT-PCR, PCR, viral load

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a Dig-dUTP based multiplex real time RT-PCR for the simultaneous detection of HCV viral amount in plasma samples. Viral genomes were identified in the same sample by Dig-dUTP PCR 216 bp region. Analysis of known scalar concentrations of reference plasma indicated that the multiplex procedure detects at least 500 copies/ml of HCV. In addition, we also assayed HCV viral load in eighty co-infected patients and in fifteen blood donors, confirming the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. This method may represent a useful alternative method for the detection of HCV co-infection, reliable for a rapid and relatively inexpensive screening of blood donors. The assay may be used to determine post-therapy viral clearance.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(3) 2015 p.247-253

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Author Biographies

Faiz MMT Marikar, General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Ratmalana

1. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine

2. Director, Staff Development Centre

Dammika Senevirathna, Genetech Molecular Diagnostics and School of Gene Technology, Kithulampitiya Mawatha, Colombo 8

Senior Scientist

Neil Fernandopulle, Genetech Molecular Diagnostics and School of Gene Technology, Kithulampitiya Mawatha, Colombo 8

Cheif Executive Officer

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Published

2015-06-20

How to Cite

Marikar, F. M., Senevirathna, D., & Fernandopulle, N. (2015). Automated Low Cost Method of Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science, 14(3), 247–253. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i3.22270

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Original Articles