Comparison of PCR with Serology for Detecting Acute Hepatitis A Virus Infection

Early detection of acute Hepatitis A virus infection (HAV) allows adopting proper treatment measures, rapid recovery, and avoiding side effects. This study compares PCR assay with serology for diagnosing acute HAV infection.

Twenty samples from patients presenting clinical symptoms of acute hepatitis were tested for anti-HAV IgM antibodies. Genomic RNA was extracted from IgM-positive samples, cDNA was synthesized and examined for genomic HAV using a specific HAV real-time detection kit and a nested PCR.

Among 20 sera, 14 were positive for anti-HAV IgM antibodies. The specific real-time PCR and nested PCR showed agreement, and both detected HAV genetic material in 3 out of 14 samples.

High levels of anti-HAV IgM antibodies do not necessarily indicate acute HAV infection in people presenting clinical symptoms of the disease.  Measuring IgM antibody levels alongside molecular detection of virus genome by DNA-based methods assay can lead to an accurate, timely, and reliable diagnosis of active HAV infection.