Antigenic peptides for grouping hepatitis C virus, kit comprising the same and methods for its grouping using the same

摘要

The present invention relates to an NS4-related antigenic peptide capable of reacting specifically with antibodies directed against Group I of hepatitis C virus (HCV); to an NS4-related antigenic peptide capable of reacting specifically with antibodies directed against Group II of HCV; to a kit for identifying HCV Groups I or II which comprises said peptides in separate sections; and to methods for grouping HCV. The peptides of the present invention can be used to detect HCV Groups I or II specifically as well as the detection of patients having the mixed infection, by which HCV Group II-infected patients can receive early interferon treatment effectively . The peptides are also useful for diagnosis of HCV infection.