Hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) in blood donors and family members seropositive for anti-HCV antibodies.

BACKGROUND

Non-A, non-B virus is responsible for 75-90% of all cases of blood transfusion-related hepatitis. The aim of this work was to determine hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) in a group of blood donors and their household contacts. Serotype and genotype of the isolates were also studied.

METHODS

HCV antibodies were investigated in 44,588 blood donors with a commercial immunoassay. Forty-four seropositive donors and 72 household members were further studied. Quantitative analysis of viral RNA was performed with Amplicor HCV 2.0 test, while genotype was determined by INNO-LiPA test and serotype with Murex HCV test.

RESULTS

Among the 44,588 donors studied, 333 (0.74%) were positive for anti-HCV. Viral RNA was found in 35 (80%) of the 44 seropositive cases studied. Among the 72 household members, HCV antibodies were detected in six (8.3%) and HCV-RNA in four of these individuals. Serotype 1 and genotype 1 were the most frequent types detected (48 and 64%, respectively). The genotype in the blood donor matched that of his seropositive family member in four of six cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that intrafamilial transmission of HCV may occur and we stress the need to study household members of seropositive blood donors, as they have a high risk of infection. In this community, genotype 1 is the most prevalent type in blood donors and family members.