[Post-transfusional hepatitis due to hepatitis virus C]

Cloned even before observed, C virus hepatitis seems to live out its natural life backwards. The C virus has begun to confide a part of its secrets to molecular Biology. Today's scientific data demonstrate that, for the most part, occurrences of post-transfusional hepatitis (PTH), which are neither A nor B, are the C virus. In order to lower the risk of blood transmission of the C virus, a systematic screening of HCV antibodies has been mandatory in Belgium since 1 July 1991. Epidemiological data has testified that seroprevalence among blood donors is around 0.55%. Even though screening is an efficient measure to eliminate blood units that are suspected to be contaminated, implementing molecular Biology techniques (PCR or chain polymerization reaction) extracts detection of the viral genome, independent of the presence or absence of specific antibodies. The measurement of ALT (alanine amino transferase) as a surrogate marker in all blood units is not yet mandatory even though it has been described as a practical and low cost means to reduce PTH in blood recipients. Among the human measures available to determine the selection of blood donors are pre-donation anamnesis and awareness programmes to inform potential donors of risk factors. Post-transfusional hepatitis C is a public health concern. The residual risk of contamination by blood products remains too great. Both human and serological measures have to be improved.