Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 629-633 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Transfusion |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 8 |
Publication status | Published - 1993 |
Keywords
- ALT = alanine aminotransferase
- anti-HCV = antibody to HCV
- ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- HCV = hepatitis C virus
- PBMCs = peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- PCR = polymerase chain reaction
- RIBA = recombinant immunoblotassay
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Hematology