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[Serological and molecular genetic markers of hepatitis C virus in infected donors]
Insights
Detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers in blood donors is crucial. Combining enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) significantly reduces the risk of HCV-infected donations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Context:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk in blood transfusions.
- Accurate screening of blood donations is essential to prevent viral transmission.
- Understanding HCV marker dynamics in donors informs screening strategies.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency of HCV markers in blood donors.
- To analyze the spectrum and activity of anti-HCV antibodies and HCV genotypes.
- To assess the risk of HCV transmission through blood donations and optimize screening methods.
Summary:
- HCV antibody activity was lower in RNA-negative donors than in RNA-positive donors.
- Significant differences in antibody activity were observed between HCV genotypes 1b and 3a.
- No correlation was found between HCV RNA concentration and specific antibody activity.
- The study identified risks associated with serological window period donations and low antibody positivity.
- Combined EIA and PCR screening effectively minimizes HCV contamination in donor plasma.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the importance of sensitive screening methods for blood safety.
- Implementing combined EIA and PCR reduces the incidence of transfusion-transmitted HCV.
- This research contributes to safer blood supply chains and public health protection.
Abstract:
The frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers was determined in donors; the spectrum and activity of specific antibodies (anti-HCV), the distribution of virus genotypes, and HCV RNA concentrations were studied in virus carrier donors. The activity of antibodies in HCV RNA-negative donors was significantly lower than that in HCV RNA-positive donors (p < or = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in antibody activities in donors infected with genotype 1b as compared with those infected with genotype 3a (p < 0.001). However, no correlation was found between the concentration of a virus genome and the activity of specific antibodies. The risk for obtaining infected blood donations was determined during plasma screening by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Our investigations have indicated that the frequency of serological window period donations is one case per 74750 test plasma units and that of HCV RNA-positive donations with low antibody positivity coefficients, which are frequently detectable as seronegative during screening for laboratory errors, is one case per 37375 test units. A combination of EIA and polymerase chain reaction has shown to minimize the risk of contamination of donor plasma with HCV markers.
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