The sooner the better: detecting hepatitis C and HIV

The research group (left to right): Taborda, Giri, Perez and Gardiol.

Current methods to screen blood donors include a questionnaire and tests to detect a disease. But all those precautions cannot rule out the existence of the so-called window period. This is the period of time during which no antibody against an infection can be detected. Considering the hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency viruses this is a worrying situation when we think that for 22 (HIV) or 69 days (HCV) a
person can be considered suitable as a donor while they are actually infected. That is why proper detection methods are key when a blood transfusion is required.

A group of researchers at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Rosario are currently working to develop a method that will allow the detection of genetic material from any of these viruses. Such material is already present in the blood right after the infection unlike antibodies, which appear several days after the event, originating the window period.

Researchers, who are also faculty members at the School of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Rosario, are currently conducting a pilot study at one of the local public hospitals. Depending on the results, authorities will be notified in order to consider a large-scale implementation of the new test.

Another advantage of the new analysis is that it will allow for the detection of HIV and Hepatitis C virus strains circulating in the region. This, in turn, will favor better detection methods and treatments. “Many molecular diagnostic systems use kits made in the USA and Europe and may not consider strains circulating in our country leading to inaccuracies when making a diagnosis”, explained Project Director Adriana Giri.

The research group is formed by Adriana Giri, Daniela Gardiol y Miguel Taborda (PhDs), PhD-student Germán Perez and the Hemotherapy Service at the Hospital Provincial del Centenario leaded by Dr. Marcela Ruzzini.

Source:
Distéfano, S. Diseñan un test para detección temprana de virus de Hepatitis C y HIV. www.unr.edu.ar. 06/27/2011. www.unr.edu.ar/noticia/3715/disenan-un-test-para-deteccion-temprana-de-virus-de-hepatitis-c-y-hiv