Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among blood donors: a hospital-based study

Insofar as chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in many individuals is asymptomatic, and as the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (an ti-HCV) among blood donors in Lebanon is scarce, this study addressed the p revalence of anti-HCV in 5115 blood donors. Data obtained were compared to other world regions. Of the blood donors screened, 57 were initially tested positive or doubtful for anti-HCV Ab. Subsequent testing by two-third gene ration enzyme immunoassays confirmed that, of the 57 initially tested posit ive/doubtful, only 18 were positive for anti-HCV giving a prevalence rate o f 0.4%. While there was no difference in HCV prevalence with respect to age or gender, a higher rate was seen in non-Lebanese compared to Lebanese sub jects (3.4% vs 0.3%, P < 0.001). These results dem onstrate a low prevalenc e of HCV infection among Lebanese blood donors, which was comparable to tho se established for western countries. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Ail ri ghts reserved.