HEPATITIS C ASSAY UTILIZING RECOMBINANT ANTIGENS FROM NS5 REGION

摘要

The present invention provides a unique recombinant antigen representing the distinct NS5 antigenic region of the HCV genome which can be used as reagents for the detection of antibodies and antigen in body fluids from individuals exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present invention also provides an assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with the recombinant antigen. Preferred assay formats include a screening assay, a confirmatory assay, a competition or neutralization assay and an immunodot assay.