Comparative evaluation of Abbott and Murex antibody assays and Roche Amplicor PCR for diagnosis of human hepatitis C

Of 135 serum samples from 135 patients suspected of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 67 were detected by Abbott IMX antibody assay, 89 by Murex anti-HCV (version III), and 47 by Roche Amplicor polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, 44 of the 62 positive serum samples by both Abbott and Murex antibody assays, 2 of the 27 positive samples by Murex antibody assay only, none of the 5 positive samples by Abbott antibody assay only, and one of the 43 negative samples by both Abbott and Murex antibody assays had measurable HCV RNA by Roche Amplicor PCR, suggesting active hepatitis C viremia. Whereas Abbott and Murex antibody assays were in agreement with each other in 103 of the 135 serum samples tested, they showed discrepancy with regard to the other 32. Despite generating a small percentage of false positives, Abbott and Murez antibody assays are useful in monitoring serum antibody levels of the past or continuing hepatitis C virus infection. Abbott IMX appears to be more specific than Murex anti-HCV (version III). The use of Roche Amplicor PCR provides a means of revealing active hepatitis C viremia, and helping clarify antibody indeterminate serum samples.