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 bl ood transfusion-related hepatitis. The aim of this work was to determine he patitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) in a group of blood donors and their househol d contacts. Serotype and genotype of the isolates were also studied. Methods. HCV antibodies were investigated in 44,588 blood donors with a com mercial immunoassay. Forty-four seropositive donors and 72 household member s were further studied. Quantitative analysis of viral RNA was performed wi th Amplicor HCV 2.0 test, while genotype was determined by INNO-LiPA test a nd serotype with Murex HCV test. Results. Among the 44,588 donors studied, 333 (0.74%) were positive for ant i-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 i n 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 bl ood donors. as they have a high risk of infection. In this community, genot ype 1 is the most prevalent type in blood donors and family members. (C) 20 01 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.