RT - Journal Article T1 - Comparison of PCR with Serology for Detecting Acute Hepatitis A Virus Infection JF - JoMMID YR - 2021 JO - JoMMID VO - 9 IS - 2 UR - http://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-336-en.html SP - 82 EP - 87 K1 - Molecular diagnostic testing K1 - Serological tests K1 - Hepatitis A viruses AB - Introduction: Early detection of acute Hepatitis A virus infection (HAV) allows adopting proper treatment measures, rapid recovery, and avoiding side effects. This study compares PCR assay with serology for diagnosing acute HAV infection. Methods: Twenty samples from patients presenting clinical symptoms of acute hepatitis were tested for anti-HAV IgM antibodies. Genomic RNA was extracted from IgM-positive samples, cDNA was synthesized and examined for genomic HAV using a specific HAV real-time detection kit and a nested PCR. Results: Among 20 sera, 14 were positive for anti-HAV IgM antibodies. The specific real-time PCR and nested PCR showed agreement, and both detected HAV genetic material in 3 out of 14 samples. Conclusion: High levels of anti-HAV IgM antibodies do not necessarily indicate acute HAV infection in people presenting clinical symptoms of the disease. Measuring IgM antibody levels alongside molecular detection of virus genome by DNA-based methods assay can lead to an accurate, timely, and reliable diagnosis of active HAV infection. LA eng UL http://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-336-en.html M3 10.52547/JoMMID.9.2.82 ER -