Comparison of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay with Immunochromatographic Strip for Screening of Hepatitis B virus Surface Antigen (Hbsag) and Hepatitis C Virus (Anti HCV) Related in a Low Resource Setting

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) are major causes of liver disease worldwide, with significant prevalence in low-resource settings. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and control of these infections. This study compares the efficacy of immunochromatographic tests (ICT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the screening of HBV and HCV. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ICT in comparison with ELISA for the detection of HBsAg and anti-HCV in a semi-urban, low-resource setting. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 951 blood samples were collected from patients at a tertiary care hospital on the outskirts of Lahore. Samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV using the rapid ICT method (Abbott Bioline HBsAg WB and Abbott Bioline HCV). Positive results were confirmed using ELISA (ANTEC Diagnostic Products, UK). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, focusing on the comparison of sensitivity, specificity, and overall concordance between the two testing methods. Results: Out of 951 individuals tested, the ICT method identified 71 positive cases (7.4%), with 11 (1.2%) for HBsAg and 60 (6.3%) for anti-HCV. ELISA confirmed all 71 positive cases identified by ICT, indicating high concordance between the two methods. The gender distribution was 434 males (45.6%) and 517 females (54.4%), with the majority in the 21-40 year age group (52.2%). Conclusion: ICT is a reliable and cost-effective screening tool for HBsAg and anti-HCV in low-resource settings, with results highly comparable to those obtained from ELISA. Its application could significantly aid in the early detection and management of hepatitis in areas where access to more sophisticated diagnostic facilities is limited.