Significant compartment‐specific impact of different RNA extraction methods and PCR assays on the sensitivity of hepatitis E virus detection

Background RNA detection in plasma/stool is the gold-standard for diagnosis of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. The impact viral extraction methods on HEV poorly investigated. Methods We determined limit RealStar RT-PCR V2.0 Kit (altona Diagnostics, RS) utilizing 3 (COBAS® AmpliPrep Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, TNAi Roche; MagNA Pure 96 DNA, Viral NA SV MgP; QIAamp mini Qiagen; VRK) plasma and stool. most sensitive method was evaluated a total 307 longitudinal samples patients with infection (acute = 18/chronic 36) compared to results former diagnostic standard our centre (TNAi/FastTrack Diagnostic; FTD). Results plasma-LOD 49, 94 329 IU/mL MgP, VRK respectively. In stool, LOD 21 IU/mL, 528 indefinable TNAi, MgP Utilizing patient samples, MgP/RS revealed 56 RNA-positive 158 negative as by TNAi/FTD. from 37 (TNAi/FTD), 15 were positive TNAi/RS. At end treatment, 8 out 27 chronically infected MgP/RS, while classified A relapse occurred these patients. Conclusion Different quantification have significant, compartment-specific sensitivity detection. Knowledge about favourable combinations has important implications receiving antiviral therapy.