A Comparative Study of the Efficiency of the New Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay and Routine Procedures for Diagnosis of Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and a public health problem. Therefore, rapid detection and management is important. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR), and loop mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) for detection of HCV. This experimental study conducted on 50 serum samples suspected to HCV in Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiari province, Iran. HCV Ab detected by ELISA and genomic RNA evaluated by nested PCR and LAMP techniques. Then, efficiency of ELISA and LAMP was calculated in comparison with nested PCR. Out of total samples, 45 (90%) samples were positive for HCV by nested PCR and LAMP. All samples (100%) were positive by ELISA, but 10% (5 samples) was false positive. In addition, in comparison with nested PCR, efficiency of LAMP and ELISA were 100% and 91%, respectively. Our results demonstrate that based on high efficiency, speed and cost effectiveness of LAMP assay, it could be used as a fast alternative method for diagnosis of HCV.