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Use of versant TMA and bDNA 3.0 assays to detect and quantify hepatitis C virus in semen.
- Source :
-
Journal of clinical laboratory analysis [J Clin Lab Anal] 2003; Vol. 17 (6), pp. 264-70. - Publication Year :
- 2003
-
Abstract
- Previous findings of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human semen have been inconsistent. This study attempted to elucidate the presence of HCV in semen from 80 HCV RNA blood plasma positive homeless men using two novel non-PCR based techniques. Semen was frozen immediately upon ejaculation in order to preserve virus quantity. This study demonstrated that 36% of the study population had HCV in semen. Bayer's Versant HCV RNA Qualitative Assay (Bayer Diagnostics, Emeryville, CA) based on transcription mediated amplification (TMA) assay detected 29 positive semen samples and Versant HCV RNA 3.0 Assay (bDNA) (Bayer Diagnostics, Emeryville, CA) detected only six. This demonstrated that TMA was more sensitive than the bDNA in detecting HCV in semen (P<0.002). HCV blood plasma viral load was positively correlated with the presence of HCV in semen (Spearman's Rho=0.40, P<0.0002), while the presence of leukocytes in semen was not (Spearman's Rho=0.19, P<0.12). This supports the hypothesis that HCV is "leaked out" from the peripheral circulation into semen. Three semen samples had a viral load of >5000 IU/mL. The presence of a high viral load in semen in certain men suggests that sexual transmission of the virus is possible. Laboratory capability to accurately detect HCV positive semen is an important step in establishing the risk of sexual transmission and in identifying strategies for protecting uninfected partners.<br /> (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Hepacivirus classification
Hepacivirus genetics
Hepatitis C blood
Hepatitis C diagnosis
Humans
Leukocyte Count
Male
Middle Aged
RNA, Viral blood
Reproducibility of Results
Viral Load
Hepacivirus isolation & purification
Hepatitis C virology
Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques methods
Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
Semen virology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0887-8013
- Volume :
- 17
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of clinical laboratory analysis
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 14614751
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/jcla.10107