Performance evaluation of the Aptima HCV Quant Dx assay for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA detection and quantification in comparison to the Abbott RealTime HCV assay.

Background: The Aptima HCV Quant Dx assay (Aptima) is a real-time transcription-mediated amplification assay CE-approved for the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Objective: Aptima's analytical performance was compared to the Abbott RealTime HCV assay (RealTime) in a clinical routine setting.

Study Design: Overall 295 clinical plasma samples (117 prospective/fresh; 178 retrospective/frozen) from HCV-infected patients were tested in Aptima and RealTime to determine concordance on qualitative and quantitative results.

Application of a molecular panel to demonstrate enterotropic virus shedding by healthy and human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

We used a molecular panel, targeting seven enteric viruses, to explore the advantage of using molecular methods to establish the etiology of enteric diseases and to evaluate the prevalence of enteric viruses in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. This approach favors rapidity and sensitivity of laboratory diagnosis of viral enteric syndromes.