Premium
Evaluation of the persistence and characteristics of indeterminate reactivity against hepatitis C virus in blood donors
Author(s) -
Melve Guro Kristin,
Myrmel Helge,
Eide Geir Egil,
Hervig Tor
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2009.02320.x
Subject(s) - indeterminate , serology , hepatitis c virus , medicine , antibody , immunology , virology , reactivity (psychology) , blood donor , virus , antigen , viral disease , pathology , alternative medicine , mathematics , pure mathematics
BACKGROUND: A substantial number of individuals are excluded from blood donation due to indeterminate results in screening tests for hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV). Disclosure of the characteristics of the indeterminate serologic pattern could optimize the testing and the management and care of blood donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Ninety‐two former blood donors deferred from blood donation due to consistent reactivity in anti‐HCV enzyme immunoassay and indeterminate HCV recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) results were retested for anti‐HCV to examine the extent of disappearance of reactivity. In addition, they were screened for selected viral, immunologic, and inflammatory variables to detect possible causes of the test reactivity pattern. RESULTS: After a median observation time of 75 months, 66 of 92 individuals had persistent indeterminate HCV RIBA results. Reactivity against the nonstructural NS5 antigen was the most frequent finding. A significant association was detected both between indeterminate reactivity in HCV RIBA and against the NS5 antigen independently and detectable antibody against adenovirus. Novel indeterminate reactivity showed increased prevalence during autumn and winter months. CONCLUSION: Indeterminate HCV RIBA reactivity in blood donors persists over years. Increased prevalence during autumn and winter and association to detection of adenovirus antibody indicate that viral infection and cross‐reactivity are etiologic factors in indeterminate HCV RIBA reactivity. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.