[Viral hepatitis and blood transfusion].

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Virology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose significant risks for transfusion-transmitted infections.
• Current screening methods may not detect all infectious donors, particularly those with non-standard serological profiles.
• The identification of HCV has prompted a re-evaluation of blood donor screening strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transmission of HBV from donors negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) but positive for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc).
• To assess the prevalence and implications of HCV infection among blood donors.
• To evaluate the efficacy of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and anti-HBc testing in identifying anti-HCV positive donors.

Main Methods:

• Testing of blood donors and recipients for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV).
• Analysis of serological profiles of donors and recipients involved in transfusion-transmitted hepatitis cases.
• Prevalence study of anti-HCV in the blood donor population.

Main Results:

• HBV was transmitted by HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive donors.
• Two anti-HCV-positive donors, without a history of clinical hepatitis, were identified as chronic, infective carriers.
• The prevalence of anti-HCV in the donor population was 0.47%; ALT and anti-HBc testing were ineffective in identifying these anti-HCV positive carriers.

Conclusions:

• Donors negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBc can transmit HBV.
• A significant proportion of anti-HCV positive donors may be asymptomatic chronic carriers.
• Routine screening for anti-HBc and anti-HCV, in addition to HBsAg, is recommended for all blood donations. Individuals with a history of parenteral viral hepatitis should be excluded from donation.