Confirmation of HCV viremia using HCV RNA and core antigen testing on dried blood spot in HIV infected peoples who inject drugs in Vietnam

BackgroundNucleic acid tests performed on blood samples collected on Dried Blood Spot (DBS) and detection of HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) are two approaches that may facilitate access to HCV diagnosis in low and middle incomes countries. In this study we evaluate HCV RNA and HCV antigen testing on DBS in HIV/HCV co-infected peoples who inject drugs in Vietnam.MethodOne hundred and four HIV/HCV seropositive patients managed in outpatient care at the Haiphong Viet Tiep hospital were included in this study from February to March, 2014 (ANRS 12262 study).ResultsEighty-six subjects were tested positive for HCV RNA in serum, median (IQR): 6.9 log(10) IU/ml (5.6-7.4 log(10) IU/ml). Genotypes consisted of 57G1 (69%), 3G3 (4%), and 22G6 (27%). HCV RNA was detected on DBS specimens in 79 out 86 subjects with chronic hepatitis C (sensitivity 92.5%; 95% CI: 85.1-96.9%). HCV RNA level on DBS and serum was moderately correlated (r=0.24; p=0.05) suggesting a degradation of HCV RNA due to transportation and storage conditions. HCVcAg was detected in 75/86dB specimens (sensitivity: 87.2%; 95% CI: 78.3-93.4%), with a strong positive relationship between DBS HCVcAg and serum HCV RNA levels (r=0.80; P<0.0001).ConclusionsQuantification of HCVcAg on DBS appears to benefit from substantial stability under prolonged storage conditions but with a lower analytical sensitivity compared to DBS HCV RNA testing. Detection of HCV RNA on DBS is an interesting approach for confirming viral replication in HCV seropositive persons but the impact of pre-analytical conditions on the integrity of HCV RNA needs to be controlled.