Serologic Assays Specific to Immunoglobulin M Antibodies against Hepatitis E Virus: Pangenotypic Evaluation of Performances

Abstract

Six immunoassays for detecting immunoglobulin M antibodies to hepatitis E virus were evaluated. Serum samples representing acute infection by each of the 4 viral genotypes as well as nonacute hepatitis E virus infection constituted the test panels. Diagnostic sensitivities and specificities as well as interassay agreement varied widely. Analytical sensitivity limits also were determined and were found to be particularly disparate.