%0 Journal Article
%A Vidal-Alcántara, Erick Joan
%A Hernández Antón, Sonia
%A Rueda, Paloma
%A Yélamos López, María Belén
%A Gómez Gutiérrez, Julián
%A Resino, Salvador
%A Fresco-Taboada, Alba
%A Martínez, Isidoro
%T Development of a Lateral Flow Assay for the Detection of the Hepatitis C Virus Core Antigen
%D 2024
%@ 1424-8247
%U https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/134530
%X Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a global health challenge, with millions of people affected annually. Current diagnostic methods, reliant on antibody screening and viral RNA detection, are complex, costly, and often inaccessible, particularly in resource-limited settings. Aim: Development of a lateral flow immunochromatography-based assay for detecting the highly conserved hepatitis C core antigen (HCVcAg). Methods: The assay relies on the interaction of four highly specific and cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies with recombinant HCVcAg from five different genotypes in a double antibody sandwich format. Latex and colloidal gold were evaluated as detector nanoparticles. Results: Extensive evaluation of 32 antibody combinations led to identifying the most sensitive antibody pairs. The chosen assay, named LN17, demonstrated a target sensitivity of 10 ng/strip, with potential clinical implications for detecting HCV. Furthermore, the study examined matrix effects in serum samples, providing valuable insights for future clinical application. Conclusions: The developed assay holds promise as a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly tool to enhance accessibility to hepatitis C screening, especially in high-risk populations and resource-limited environments.
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