Abstract
INTRODUCTION: One of the main causes of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic hepatitis is the hepatitis C virus (HCV), with significant variability in its genotypes affecting pathogenicity and treatment outcomes. In India, prevalence ranges from 0.5 to 1.5%, with certain regions showing higher rates. Diagnostic methods include serological and molecular assays, with the HCV core antigen (HCV cAg) assay emerging as a cost-effective substitute for HCV RT-PCR testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 292 suspected hepatitis cases from May 2019 to May 2020 in a North Indian tertiary care institute. Demographic, biochemical, and clinical data were collected. Seroprevalence was determined using Qualisa(TM) HCV ELISA. Sixty seronegative and 30 seropositive samples underwent HCVc-Ag testing and HCV RT-PCR. Genotyping was carried out using AmpliSens® HCV-genotype PCR kit. The HCV core antigen assay was evaluated by taking HCV RT-PCR as the gold standard test. RESULTS: Of the 292 patients, 98 (30%) were seropositive for HCV, predominantly in the 40-59 age-group. Surgery and blood transfusion were significant risk factors. Co-infections included human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (3.06%) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) (6.12%). Genotype 3a was the most prevalent. HCV core antigen assay showed 93.75% sensitivity, 93.10% specificity, 88.24% positive predictive value, 96.43% negative predictive value, and 93.33% accuracy. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis C virus core antigen is a dependable and economical substitute to HCV RT-PCR for diagnosing HCV infection. Regular screening in high-risk groups is essential for early detection and prevention. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rautela A, Raj N, Verma A, et al. Clinicoepidemiology and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C: Evaluating HCV Core Antigen Assay as a Diagnostic Tool in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of North India. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2024;14(2):176-181.