Prospects for the use of PCR in the detection of hepatitis (a literature review)

Abstract

Relevance: According to official WHO data, currently, about 325 million people in the world live with chronic hepatitis B and C, which makes hepatitis one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. There are many scientific studies aimed at a deeper understanding of hepatitis and the development of new methods of treatment and diagnosis. With the help of polymerase chain reaction, more sensitive tests for diagnosing hepatitis have been developed, allowing faster infection detection and treatment initiation. The PCR method for diagnosing hepatitis is justified and relevant, as it is one of the most effective and modern methods for detecting viral infection, which allows you to start treatment earlier and prevent the development of complications. The study aimed to evaluate the PCR method’s efficiency in diagnosing hepatitis. Methods: In this review, the causes of hepatitis were investigated, and a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of various laboratory methods for diagnosing hepatitis, including enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction, was conducted. The analysis of scientific publications revealed the factors associated with the development of hepatitis and compared the effectiveness of ELISA, used for serological analysis of antibodies to hepatitis viruses, with PCR, designed to detect DNA or RNA of hepatitis viruses. The obtained results provide important information for improving the methods of diagnosis of hepatitis and more effective control of this serious infectious pathology. Results: The analyzed scientific literature has shown that PCR diagnostics has several advantages over other methods of hepatitis diagnosis, such as ELISA, including higher sensitivity and specificity, the ability to detect hidden infections, and faster results. In addition, PCR diagnostics can be used to determine a specific strain of the virus, making it possible to take measures to treat and control infection. All these advantages confirm the scientific validity of using the PCR method in detecting hepatitis. Conclusion: According to global statistics, PCR has a higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing hepatitis than ELISA. PCR can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of hepatitis treatment and determine viral load to make decisions about the need for treatment and evaluate its effectiveness.