Transfusion-associated hepatitis C virus (non-A, non-B) infection

Non-A, non-B (NANB) is a term used to describe viral hepatitis not due to hepatitis B virus or hepatitis A virus. Two forms of NANB hepatitis have been identified: (1) an epidemic type usually transmitted enterically and (2) a parenterally transmitted form caused by hepatitis C virus. While the latter often is assumed to be transfusion transmitted, data from surveillance programs suggest that the incidence of NANB transfusion-associated hepatitis (TAH) is decreasing. Strategies for preventing TAH include viral inactivation, testing for surrogate markers of NANB, and the appropriate use of blood components. Whether alanine aminotransferase and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen screening of donated blood will be effective in reducing the incidence of TAH is yet to be established. Specific tests for anti-hepatitis C virus may resolve problems associated with surrogate testing.