Effect of hepatitis C antibody screening in blood donors on post‐transfusion hepatitis in Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Journal Volume
10
Journal Issue
4
Pages
454-458
Date Issued
1995
Author(s)
Abstract
A national screening programme for antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors in Taiwan began in July 1992 using a second?generation immunoassay. To study the impact of this screening on post?transfusion hepatitis in Taiwan, a prospective study on post?transfusion hepatitis, that was started in 1987, was continued. As of June 1994, 245 patients who received a blood transfusion after July 1992 had completed a follow?up period for more than 6 months post?transfusion. Of them, seven (2.8%) recipients developed acute post?transfusion hepatitis. The hepatitis in six cases could not be attributed to infection by hepatitis A, B, C, D, E viruses or cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein?Barr virus (EBV). The remaining patient seroconverted to both IgG and IgM anti?CMV. All seven patients recovered in 6 months without development of chronicity, and the mean peak alanine aminotransferase level was lower compared with that of the cases before anti?HCV screening (i.e. pre?July 1992). These results indicate that the current anti?HCV screening has effectively interrupted HCV transmission through blood transfusion in Taiwan. Copyright ? 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
SDGs
Other Subjects
hepatitis C antibody; adult; aged; article; blood transfusion; donor; female; hepatitis; hepatitis C; human; major clinical study; male; priority journal; screening; seroconversion; Taiwan; virus transmission
Type
journal article