Related Experiment Videos
A study of anti-hepatitis C positive blood donors: the first year of screening
S MacLennan1, M C Moore, P E Hewitt
1North London Blood Transfusion Centre, Colindale, U.K.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection risk factors in UK blood donors include age, tattooing, and intravenous drug use. Intravenous drug use showed the strongest association with increased HCV risk.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Routine screening for anti-HCV in UK blood donations began in September 1991.
- Understanding HCV epidemiology in blood donors is crucial for public health.
- Analysis of donor histories provides insights into infection sources and risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and demography of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in asymptomatic UK blood donors.
- To identify potential sources of HCV infection and associated risk factors.
- To investigate the association between liver function tests, alcohol consumption, and HCV status.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of detailed donor histories for anti-HCV positive, indeterminate, and false-positive cases.
- Comparison of risk factor data with a control group of 771 routine blood donors.
- Investigation of associations between HCV infection, liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase), and alcohol consumption.
Main Results:
- One in 1400 previously untested donors tested positive for anti-HCV.
- Significant risk factors for HCV infection included age (30-49 years), tattooing, intravenous drug use (strongest association), ear-piercing (males), and blood transfusion (females).
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase levels were common in anti-HCV positive donors, but no clear correlation with time since infection or alcohol intake was found. Alcohol consumption was higher in anti-HCV positive donors, especially those with a history of intravenous drug use.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous drug use is the primary risk factor for HCV infection among blood donors.
- While liver function tests may be elevated, they do not strongly correlate with infection duration or alcohol intake.
- Higher alcohol consumption is linked to HCV infection, particularly in individuals with a history of intravenous drug use.
Abstract:
In the U.K., blood donations have been routinely screened for anti-HCV since September 1991. In order to get the most epidemiological benefit from these extensive screening data, the histories obtained at counselling from donors confirmed to be anti-HCV positive, 'indeterminate' and falsely positive have been analysed in detail. In addition, the associations with potential risk factors have been investigated by comparing these groups of donors with a control group of 771 routine donors bled on one day during the study, at North London Blood Transfusion Centre. This paper documents the prevalence and demography of HCV infection in asymptomatic blood donors, to assess various possible sources of infection and the association between liver function test results and alcohol consumption in donors. One in 1400 previously untested donors was confirmed positive for anti-HCV. Age (the group 30-49 years being highest), tattooing and intravenous drug use in both sexes, ear-piercing in males and blood transfusion in females were all significantly associated with an increased risk of HCV infection. Intravenous drug use proved to be the factor most strongly associated with risk. Liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase) were elevated in a significant number of donors confirmed to be anti-HCV positive but no clear correlation between alanine aminotransferase level and either time since infection or alcohol consumption was found. Alcohol consumption was significantly higher in donors confirmed to be anti-HCV positive and was particularly marked in those admitting to previous intravenous drug use.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)