Comparative Study of ELISA and RT-PCR in the Detection of Hepatitis C Virus in Southern Iraq

Abstract

This study aimed to diagnose HCV infection and estimate its prevalence among patients attending healthcare facilities in Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq, using both serological and molecular tests. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide annually. Eighty patients (48 male and 32 female) aged 1–74 years were included in the study from January,5th 2022 to December,12th 2022. HCV antibody was determined by ELISA, viral nucleic acid was determined by real-time PCR.

      Fifty samples (62.5%) were positive by ELISA, while only 23 (46% from the positives) had detectable RNA levels upon RT-PCR examination. A higher prevalence was observed in males compared to females and the age group with the highest prevalence was between 40-49 years. The results confirm that ELISA is useful as an initial screening tool, but RT-PCR is a more accurate method for confirming active infection and determining viral load. This study highlights the need for routine integration of RT-PCR into diagnostic workflows to improve detection and management of HCV in southern Iraq.