Author/Authors :
Behzad-Behbahani, A. shiraz university of medical sciences - Clinical virology section, شيراز, ايران , Mafi-Nejad, A. shiraz university of medical sciences - Clinical virology section, شيراز, ايران , Tabei, S. Z. shiraz university of medical sciences - Clinical virology section, شيراز, ايران , Lankaran, K. B. shiraz university of medical sciences - Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, شيراز, ايران , Rashidi, M. shiraz university of medical sciences - Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, شيراز, ايران , Rasouli, M. shiraz university of medical sciences - Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, شيراز, ايران , Pourabbas, B. shiraz university of medical sciences - Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, شيراز, ايران , Torab, A. shiraz university of medical sciences - Iran Blood Transfusion Center, شيراز, ايران , Salah, A. R. shiraz university of medical sciences - Iran Blood Transfusion Center, شيراز, ايران
Abstract :
Background: In spite of available, and sensitive screening assay for detection of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), occasional cases of post-transfusion hepatitis B virus infection are still observed. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of positive anti hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) and presence of HBY-DNA in serum sample of healthy blood donors negative for both HBsAg and anti-HCY antibody. We evaluated whether anti-HBc could be adopted as a screening assay for blood donation. Material and Methods: Two thousands sera negative for both HBsAg and anti-HCY collected from healthy blood donors tested for presence of anti-HBc antibody. All sera positive for anti-HBc antibody were then investigated for determination of anti-HBc and anti-HBs titers, HbeAg and anti-HBe antibody by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Every sample that tested negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBc alone or in combination with other serological markers was also examined for the presence of HBY-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Out of 2000 HBsAg negative blood samples, 13\ samples (6.55%) were positive for anti-HBc. HBY-DNA was detected in 16 of 131(12.2%) anti-HBc positive specimens. The liver function test results were all in normal range except in 4 (25%) of 16 HBY-DNA positive subjects. Conclusion: Anti-HBc antibody should be tested routinely on blood donor volunteers, and if the sera become positive regardless of anti-HBs titer, the blood should be discarded. Further testing for HBY -DNA is appropriate to follow up the blood donor patient for HBY infection.
