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Unexplained hepatitis C virus antibody seroconversion in established blood donors
Transfusion
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion was observed in blood donors without identifiable risk factors. Early HCV infection detection is crucial, as the initial donation may be positive for HCV RNA.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Understanding the early phase of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential for comprehending its epidemiology and natural history.
- While HCV prevalence is well-documented, the incidence and transmission dynamics require further investigation, particularly during the initial stages of infection.
- The seroconversion pattern in blood donors who were previously antibody-negative serves as a valuable model for studying HCV incidence and transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroconversion rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among blood donors in 1994.
- To investigate potential routes of HCV infection in seroconverting donors through counseling.
- To analyze the early serological changes indicative of HCV infection in a blood donor population.
Main Methods:
- Review of HCV antibody test records from the West Midlands Blood Transfusion Centre for the year 1994.
- Identification of previously anti-HCV-negative blood donors who showed seroconversion during 1994.
- Counseling of seroconverting donors to explore possible exposure pathways and risk factors for HCV infection.
Main Results:
- A total of 256,935 donations from 149,370 donors were analyzed; 24 donors (0.016%) tested positive for HCV antibodies via ELISA and RIBA-3.
- Two previously ELISA-negative donors seroconverted in 1994.
- Several donors showed evolving serological profiles, with some progressing from indeterminate to positive results over time, and one case indicating seroconversion between 1994 and 1995.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion can occur even when no recognizable risk factors for infection are identified.
- The initial blood donation or the one immediately preceding seroconversion may test positive for HCV RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Early detection and understanding of HCV transmission are critical, especially in asymptomatic or risk-unassociated cases.
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