Role of Serologic and Molecular Diagnostic Assays in Identification and Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

J Clin Microbiol. 2016 Feb;54(2):265-73. doi: 10.1128/JCM.02407-15. Epub 2015 Dec 9.

Abstract

The drugs available for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have evolved to provide shorter treatment duration and higher rates of sustained virologic response (SVR), and the role of HCV infection diagnostic tests has had to evolve in order to meet changing clinical needs. This review gives an overview on the role of HCV infection diagnostic testing (molecular and serological tools) used in the diagnosis and management of HCV infection. All of this critical information guides physician decisions to optimize patient clinical outcomes. Also discussed is the future direction of diagnostic testing in the context of further advances in drug development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Disease Management
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • Genotype
  • Hepacivirus / classification*
  • Hepacivirus / genetics*
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / virology*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / immunology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques*
  • RNA, Viral
  • Serologic Tests*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • RNA, Viral