The detection of HBV DNA with polymerase chain reaction in blood donors with isolated hepatitis B core antibody.

AIM

To analyze the presence of HBV DNA in blood donors admitted to blood banks with HBsAg negativity and isolated anti-HBc positivity.

METHODS

Sera samples of 2500 HBsAg negative donors were included in the study. HBsAg tests were assayed with VITROS analyzer. Anti-HBc total, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc IgM tests were manually studied with DIA PRO kit by employing ELISA method. HBV DNA test was evaluated with iQ5 Real Time PCR Detection System with real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

A total number of 401 (16.4%) HBsAg negative blood donors had anti-HBc positivity. Forty-five of 401 (1.8%) anti-HBc positive samples were anti-HBs negative. These 45 persons were evaluated for anti-HBc positivity. Thirty-six of 45 anti-HBc positive persons had only anti-HBc positivity, and other nine patients had Anti-HBe antibody. HBV DNA was detected in three (6.6 %) of 45 isolated Anti-HBc positive persons as in one of nine persons and two of 36 persons.

CONCLUSION

The persons who have only HBs Ag negativity may not be appropriate to become blood donors. Anti-HBc test should be done for HBsAg negative persons. They should not be accepted as blood donors if Anti-HBc is found positive.