False-positive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody result associated with tapeworm infection: A potential emerging public health concern in HCV diagnosis-A case report.
Yusuke Ainoda, Eiji Nagayasu, Haruhiko Maruyama et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A woman in her 30s presented with a tapeworm infection and was found to have a false-positive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody test result. Following treatment for the tapeworm, her HCV antibody test result reverted to negative. This case highlights the diagnostic complexities associated with HCV testing in the presence of certain parasitic infections.
What made this case unusual
The association of a false-positive HCV antibody result specifically with tapeworm infection is not commonly reported, making this case noteworthy.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the possibility of false-positive HCV antibody results in patients with parasitic infections, such as cestodiasis.
Why it matters
This case underscores the need for awareness of potential diagnostic pitfalls in HCV testing, particularly in regions with limited access to confirmatory testing.