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[Post-transfusion hepatitis 1973 and 1974 in the Zürich region]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|January 22, 1977
Summary
Investigating posttransfusion hepatitis (PTH) in Zurich, this study found that while many blood transfusions involved hepatitis B antigen (HBS-Ag) positive blood, only a few cases of PTH were definitively linked to transfusions. Other infection sources are likely involved.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Posttransfusion hepatitis (PTH) poses a significant risk following blood transfusions.
- Hepatitis B antigen (HBS-Ag) screening is a critical component of blood safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causative agents of posttransfusion hepatitis (PTH) in Zurich between 1973-74.
- To determine the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and other viruses in PTH cases.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of HBS-Ag screening in preventing transfusion-transmitted hepatitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 PTH cases reported in Zurich.
- Investigation of the origin of transfused blood units.
- Hepatitis B antigen (HBS-Ag) testing of blood donors and recipients.
- Assessment of potential roles for Hepatitis A virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Cytomegalovirus.
Main Results:
- Out of 30 PTH cases, 24 (71%) involved HBS-Ag positive blood.
- Only 4 cases of PTH were definitively attributed to HBS-Ag positive blood transfusions.
- In 88% of cases, a blood transfusion as the cause of PTH could not be proven.
- Hepatitis A, Epstein-Barr, and Cytomegalovirus were not found to be significant factors in PTH.
Conclusions:
- HBS-Ag screening, even with sensitive methods, did not prevent all transfusion-transmitted hepatitis.
- Blood transfusion is not the sole source of hepatitis virus infections leading to PTH.
- Further investigation into alternative hepatitis virus transmission routes is warranted.