Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Blood Donors; North Middle Libya
Journal Title: International Blood Research & Reviews - Year 2016, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Post transfusion hepatitis B (PTHB) continues to be an important public health concern in regard to blood transfusion in Libya. The inclusion of tests specifically for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) began as part of the mandatory screening of blood donors in the early 1980s. This endeavor significantly enhanced blood safety in terms of protecting people against the transmission of an HBV infection. However, several studies have revealed that a percentage of HBsAg donors who tested negative may in fact still be positive for the illness due to a presence of different antigens known as hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) meaning that it constitutes a possibility of circulating hepatitis B viral DNA (HBV-DNA), thus being a potential source of post transfusion hepatitis B (PTHB). Objectives: To determine the presence of anti-HBc and HBV-DNA in healthy HBsAg negative blood donors in the middle northern region of Libya (composed of the metropolitan cities of Misrata, Khoums, Zlitin, Sirite and surrounding small villages). Methods: The Misrata central blood bank (which services the middle northern region of Libya) provided A total of 979 HBsAg negative blood samples from healthy blood donors that were tested for anti-HBc using the VITROS® 3600 Immunodiagnostic System. The reactive samples were then further tested for the presence of HBV-DNA. Results: From the sample of 979, 38 of whom (3.9%) were anti-HBc positive. One sample tested positive for HBV-DNA by PCR (polymers chain reaction) from the anti-HBc positive samples indicating (2.6%) of the subgroup of anti-HBc positive samples and 0.1% from the whole sample population screened. Conclusion: Despite blood donors being HBsAg-negative in the middle northern region of Libya, 3.9% had anti-HBc, of which 2.6% of the anti-HBc positive donors had detectable HBV DNA. Further studies are needed to determine the actual yield of including an anti-HBc test in routine screening of blood donors.
Authors and Affiliations
Mohamed Kaled A. Shambesh, Ezzadin Areaf Franka, Faisal Fathalla Ismail, Malik Abdurrazag Elosta
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP242658
- DOI 10.9734/IBRR/2016/27145
- Views 113
- Downloads 0
Prevalence of Some Hematological Abnormalities among HIV Positive Patients on Their First Visit to a Tertiary Health Institution in Ethiopia; A Cross Sectional Study
Aim: The main objective of this study was to identify the magnitude of hematological abnormalities among HIV patients on their first visit to antiretroviral treatment (ART) centers. Methods: A cross sectional study was...
Donor Deferral Patterns at a Hospital-based Blood Bank in Saudi Arabia
Aims: This study analysed the blood donors deferral patterns at a government hospital blood bank in Saudi Arabia. The proportion and reasons of deferrals were also investigated. Methodology: Retrospective review was done...
Influence of Obesity and Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Serum Ferritin and Insulin Levels in Young Adults
Aim: Obesity and family history of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus are the major risk factors for the development of type 2 Diabetes mellitus in youth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between serum f...
Effects of Co-infusion of Plasma, Whole Blood and Anticogulants on Their Clotting Activities
Aims: Nafamostat mesilate (NM), a protease inhibitor is available for treating acute pancreatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and it is used as an anticoagulant for hemodialysis in Japan. A plasmapheresis...
Epidemiological and Biological Parameters of Monoclonal Plasma Cell Dyscrasias in Thirty One Patients Consulting a Moroccan Pasteur Institute
Aims: To describe epidemiological and biological features of patients with monoclonal plasma cell dyscrasias. The patients were seen at the Moroccan Pasteur Institute in Casablanca during a period of two years and four m...