Myanamr Health Research Registration 2024; 36(1-3): 38-44.
DOI:
Evaluation of Dried Blood Spots as a Feasible Alternative to Plasma for the Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus
Ohnmar Kyaw, Kyi May Htwe, Win Pa Pa Naing, Mu Mu Shwe, Phyo Aung Naing, Naing Naing Tun, Win Win Swe, Hlaing Myat Thu & Zaw Than Htun
Myanmar Health Sciences Research Journal, 2024; 36(1-3): 38-44
ABSTRACTHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide and the average prevalence of HCV infection among the general population in Myanmar was .7% in 05. Molecular tests are the gold standard not only for the detection and quantification of HCV RNA but also for monitoring treatment response with the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Collection of plasma and its appropriate transport to referral laboratories from distant resource-limited settings is challenging and this study was conducted to assess the feasibility of DBS samples alternative to plasma for HCV RNA quantification by Xpert Viral Load (VL) assay. It was a comparative study collaborated with the Department of Hepatology, 500-bedded Yangon Specialty Hospital from June to July 0. Whole blood samples of 5 treatment- naïve HCV positive patients were collected in Ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) tubes, then spotted on two Whatman 90™ protein saver cards and each card was stored at 4°C and 7°C respectively for 5 days.
RESULT
INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of liver disease and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Globally, World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 58 million people are living with chronic HCV infection, with about .5 million new infections occurring per year. Hepatitis C virus, belonging to the family Flaviviridae and genus Hepacivirus, is an enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of 9.6 kb. Hepatitis C infection rate varies country by country and depends upon the sampling populations (general population and certain populations of people who inject drugs, etc.).
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
It was a comparative study (EDTA plasma and EDTA DBS samples) collaborated with Department of Hepatology, 500-bedded Yangon Specialty Hospital from June to July 0. Blood samples were taken from (5) treatment naïve known HCV positive adults (9-78years) attending Out-patient Department for routine investigation for the treatment.
Whole blood samples (5 ml), collected in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes were spotted on two Whatman 90™ (GE Healthcare, Life Sciences, Cardiff, UK) protein saver cards, total five slots on each card (70 μl of whole blood were spotted for each slot).
DISCUSSION
In 07, World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Hepatitis B and C Testing recommend the use of DBS samples in people with poor venous access and places without nearby laboratories.9 To fulfill the WHO 00 elimination targets for HCV, there must be reliable screening and diagnostic tools to find out new cases and get the appropriate treatment.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
CONFLICT OF INTEREST