METHOD OF DETECTING ANTIBODIES OF C HEPATITIS VIRUS AND A SET FOR DETECTION HCV ANTIBODIES

摘要

The proposed method for detecting early seroconversion in mammalian hosts suspected of containing hepatitis C virus (HCV) comprises the following steps of: (a) obtaining from a host a body component suspected of containing hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, (b) reacting this body component with an HCV antigen under conditions that allow an immunological reaction between antibodies in the body component and the antigen; (c) detecting immune complexes formed between the antigen and the antibodies, whereby absence of these immune complexes of the standard immunoassay and presence of immune complexes containing HCV antigen indicates seroconversion to HCV. HCV antigen is selected from antigen comprising a conformational epitope encoded within the E1 domain of the HCV genome, within the E2 domain of the HCV genome or aggregates thereof and is purified under non-denaturing conditions. A kit used in the method comprises an HCV antigen and control standards, packaged in suitable vials, and instructions for use of the kit components.