1. Development and validation of the first HBV qRT-PCR assay in the Mediterranean area targeting the X region.
- Author
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Madihi, Salma, Laassili, Chaimaa, Boukaira, Samia, Baha, Warda, Khyatti, Meriem, Zyad, Abdelmajid, Ben Mkaddem, Sanae, and Benani, Abdelouaheb
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HEPATITIS B virus , *VIRAL hepatitis , *HEPATITIS B , *DNA primers , *HEPATOCELLULAR carcinoma - Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health burden and affects approximatively 300 million people around the world. Since, HBV population is represented with genetic diversity, having different viral effects. Development of a new prognosis method play a key role on the efficiency of the different treatment. The HBx protein of HBV has a potential role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), which makes it a valuable target for HCC prognosis. In this context, the first quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay in the Mediterranean area was developed and validated. Specific primers and probes of a conserved X region across all HBV genotypes were designed and the qRT-PCR was performed with the TaqPath 1-Step Multiplex Master Mix on 441 Moroccan plasma samples in Pasteur Institute of Morocco. The assay demonstrated a linear quantification range of 1010–101 IU/reaction (R2 = 0.99) and a quantification limit of 15 IU/mL. Comparative evaluations with the COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS TaqMan (CAP/CTM) HBV, v2.0 and the artus HBV QS-RGQ assays showed strong correlations (R2 = 0.92 and R2 = 0.89, respectively). Our test is fast, highly sensitive, specific, reproducible, and labor-saving. This system will be of great advantage to Mediterranean countries in their efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis B and C by 2030, enabling precise monitoring and effective treatment of HBV infections. • The HBx protein of HBV has a potential role in HCC. • Development and validation of an HBV qRT-PCR assay targeting the X region. • A quantification limit of 15 IU/mL of HBV DNA in plasma samples. • Advantages of being fast, highly sensitive, specific and reproducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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