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 blood transfusion-related hepatitis. The aim of this work was to determine hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) in a group of blood donors and their household contacts. Serotype and genotype of the isolates were also studied. METHODS: HCV antibodies were investigated in 44,588 blood donors with a commercial immunoassay. Forty-four seropositive donors and 72 household members were further studied. Quantitative analysis of viral RNA was performed with Amplicor HCV 2.0 test, while genotype was determined by INNO-LiPA test and serotype with Murex HCV test. RESULTS: Among the 44,588 donors studied, 333 (0.74%) were positive for anti-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 in 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 blood donors, as they have a high risk of infection. In this community, genotype 1 is the most prevalent type in blood donors and family members.