Hepatitis B core antibodies in Danish blood donors: a surrogate marker of risk behaviour

Background and Objectives The aim of this work was to determine the prevale nce of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) among Danish blood donors and to correlate this with risk factors for blood-borne and sexuall y transmitted diseases. Materials and Methods During a 5-month period, 10 862 consecutive donors in the County of Funen were screened for anti-HBc, and repeat-reactive sample s were confirmed by supplementary testing. Information on risk factors was assessed by questionnaire in 585 consecutive anti-HBc-negative blood donors and compared with information obtained from confirmed positive donors. Results The prevalence of confirmed positive anti-HBc among donors was 0.70 % (76/10 862, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.87). One donor was posit ive for anti-HBc immunoglobulin M (IgM); none tested positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. In a logistic regression analysis, age, female gender, tattoos and commercial sexual relations, were independent predictive factor s for the presence of anti-HB c. Conclusion Anti-HBc is a surrogate marker for previous risk behaviour in th e Danish blood donor population. We suggest that screening for anti-hIBc ma y be used among new donors to supplement interviews on risk behaviour.