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Antibody to hepatitis C (anti C 100-3) in French hemophiliacs
P Maisonneuve1, Y Laurian, C Guerois
1Centre d'Hématologie et de Transfusion Sanguine de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies were detected in 66% of hemophilia patients in 1989. Patients treated with newer factor concentrates showed no antibodies, suggesting improved safety.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Hematology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant concern for individuals with hemophilia due to frequent blood product exposure.
- Previous clotting factor concentrates were associated with high rates of HCV transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the seroprevalence of HCV antibodies in French hemophilia patients.
- To evaluate the impact of different treatment methods on HCV exposure.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for anti-HCV C100-3 antibodies in 486 hemophilia patients.
- Analysis of samples collected in 1989 and a subset from 1979-1989.
- Comparison of antibody status based on treatment type (solvent-detergent treated concentrates).
Main Results:
- Overall anti-C100-3 positivity was 66% in 1989.
- No antibodies were found in patients exclusively treated with solvent-detergent treated factor VIII or IX concentrates.
- A significant proportion (two-thirds) of patients who were seronegative in 1989 had previously lost HCV antibodies, indicating past exposure.
Conclusions:
- HCV exposure was widespread among hemophilia patients treated with older blood products.
- Solvent-detergent treatment significantly reduced HCV transmission risk.
- The study highlights the importance of viral inactivation methods in blood product safety.
Abstract:
486 patients followed in four French hemophilia centres were tested for antibody to hepatitis C virus C100-3 recombinant protein. On samples collected in 1989, the overall incidence of anti-C 100-3 positivity was 66%. None of the 27 patients only exposed to solvent-detergent treated factor VIII or IX concentrates had C 100-3 antibodies. There was no difference according to the type of hemophilia nor to its severity. Serological follow-up from 1985 to 1989 was carried out on 51 patients. Two third of the C-100 3 paradoxically seronegative patients in 1989 were in fact positive for these antibodies within the last 5 years. They have lost their HCV antibodies as seen with the presently available C 100-3 test. Actually, as the virus has been already present at least for the last 10 years, (on 51 samples collected in 1979, the incidence of C-100-3 positivity was 78%), all treated patients may well have been in contact with HCV.