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An investigation of hepatitis A virus infected blood products
Abstract:
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection via the parenteral route is not common. To investigate this further, we obtained the fresh frozen plasma (FFP) component from a unit of whole blood provided by an HAV-infected donor and attempted to quantify and characterize the virus in this material. Despite repeated efforts at culture and cesium banding, HAV was not detected by these methods. However, a hepatitis-A-specific antibody capture assay did demonstrate an occasional HAV-like particle upon electron microscopic analysis of plasma-derived material. We conclude that the quantity of virus present in HAV-contaminated blood or products may be variable and therefore of insufficient numbers as to induce clinically apparent disease in all recipients.
Insights
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) parenteral transmission is rare. This study found occasional HAV-like particles in contaminated plasma, suggesting low, variable viral loads may not cause disease in all recipients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Blood Transfusion Safety
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
- Parenteral transmission of HAV through blood products is considered uncommon.