Hepatitis C virus RNA in serum of blood donors with or without elevated transaminase levels

The pattern of hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia in blood donors who are positive for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) according to the level of transaminase activity is unclear. A polymerase chain reaction-based HCV RNA detection method was used to study two clearly defined groups of anti-HCV-positive bloo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inTransfusion (Philadelphia, Pa.) Vol. 33; no. 8; p. 629
Main Authors Romeo, R, Thiers, V, Driss, F, Berthelot, P, Nalpas, B, Brechot, C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.1993
Subjects
Alanine Transaminase - blood
Blood Donors
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Female
Hepacivirus - genetics
Hepacivirus - immunology
Hepatitis Antibodies - blood
Hepatitis C - enzymology
Hepatitis C Antibodies
Hepatitis, Chronic - enzymology
Humans
Male
Polymerase Chain Reaction
RNA, Viral - blood
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The pattern of hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia in blood donors who are positive for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) according to the level of transaminase activity is unclear. A polymerase chain reaction-based HCV RNA detection method was used to study two clearly defined groups of anti-HCV-positive blood donors with repeatedly normal (n = 27) and elevated (n = 17) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. HCV RNA was detected in only 4 of 27 blood donors with normal ALT values and 15 of 17 with elevated ALT values. These results indicate that anti-HCV-positive blood donors with normal ALT levels constitute a heterogeneous group, as HCV viremia is detectable in only a small proportion of cases. Polymerase chain reaction should be useful in the surveillance of anti-HCV-positive blood donors with normal ALT levels, by identifying those who might benefit from further investigation and treatment.
ISSN:0041-1132
DOI:10.1046/j.1537-2995.1993.33893342742.x