Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Surgical Transplantation of Mouse Neural Stem Cells into the Spinal Cords of Mice Infected with Neurotropic Mouse Hepatitis Virus
Published on: July 10, 2011
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.
Abstract:
On November 26, 2014, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) contacted CDC concerning a report from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBPHD) regarding acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a repeat blood donor. The patient, who was asymptomatic, was first alerted of the infection by the blood bank and had no traditional risk factors for HCV infection. The donor had a negative HCV nucleic acid test (NAT) 56 days before the first positive NAT test, and an investigation into the donor's health care exposures and other potential risk factors, including injection drug use, incarceration, and long-term hemodialysis within this narrow exposure window, was conducted by SBPHD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

