Does Anti-HBc Reactivity Reflect 'Lifestyle' Risk in North London Blood Donors?

• Published in: Vox sanguinis Vol. 72; no. 2; pp. 79 - 84
• Main Authors: Barbara, J.A.J, Moore, M.C., Godfrey, G.S., Hewitt, P.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland 01-02-1997
• Subjects: Original Paper
• ISSN: 0042-9007; 1423-0410
• DOI: 10.1159/000461967

Background and objectives: To determine whether antibody to hepatitis B
core (anti-HBc) reactivity, as a marker of hepatitis B virus infection, reflects a
‘lifestyle’ risk in donors in North London, we have obtained detailed histories
from donors with various manifestations of HBV infection. Materials and
methods: Interviews based on a standardised questionnaire were conducted
with 70 donors confirmed to be anti-HBc reactive. Results: Comparison with
controls (known to be anti-HBc-negative) and donors reactive for anti-hepatitis-
C virus showed that current donor strategies are effective; in our area, reactivity
for anti-HBc is not associated with a lifestyle risk for those donors who are
unreactive in current mandatory screening tests. Conclusions: Blood from donors
positive for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs should be considered suitable for
transfusion purposes. This is consistent with the practice of accepting blood from
naturally immune donors for preparation of hepatitis B immunoglobulin.