Notes from the Field: Investigation of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission Associated with Injection Therapy for Chronic

Insights

A repeat blood donor was diagnosed with acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection despite having no traditional risk factors. This case highlights the importance of sensitive testing for early detection of HCV.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant public health challenge.
  • Early detection of HCV is crucial for preventing transmission and managing patient health.

Observation:

  • A repeat blood donor in Santa Barbara County, California, was identified with acute HCV infection.
  • The donor was asymptomatic and had no known traditional risk factors for HCV.
  • A previous HCV nucleic acid test (NAT) was negative 56 days prior to the positive result.

Findings:

  • The investigation focused on a narrow 56-day window between the negative and positive HCV NAT results.
  • Potential risk factors explored included healthcare exposures, injection drug use, incarceration, and hemodialysis.
  • The source of infection remained undetermined, emphasizing the complexity of acute HCV transmission.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for vigilant screening and diagnostic protocols for blood donors.
  • It highlights the possibility of HCV infection in individuals without apparent risk factors.
  • Further research may be needed to identify non-traditional transmission routes or gaps in screening.

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