Aetiology of acute viral hepatitis B virus endemic population of Dar es Salaam

Sera from 250 patients admitted to Muhimbili hospital in Dar es Salaam; Tanzania; with viral hepatitis were examined for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg); antibodies to hepatitis D (delta) virus; antibodies to hepatitis B virus core and for antibodies to hepatitis A virus; The latter two of the IgM class. Using the ELISA technique; 102 (40.8 percent) of the cases were verified as acute hepatitis B and 16 (6.4 percent) as acute hepatitis A. The aetiology of the remaining 131 (52 percent) of the patients could not be established and was due to either non-A; non-B viruses or other viruses. Only one of the HBsAg positive patients had antibodies to the hepatitis D virus. the results show the necessity of testing for markers of acute hepatitis infection (specific Igm) when acute hepatitis is diagnosed in a community where hepatitis B is endemic

Evaluation of rapid tests for HIV antibody screening of blood donors

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is currently the most accepted method used to screen for antibodies to HIV Conventional ELISA assays require from 1.5 to 3.5 hours to complete and an optical density (OD) reader to record results. We have therefore considered the applicability of using rapid tests for the screening of blood donors. The Testpack method is quick to perform; easy to interpret and sensitive. Results indicate that the Testpack method is suitable for the screening of blood donors and in emergency situations

Evaluation of rapid tests for HIV antibody screening of blood donors

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is currently the most accepted method used to screen for antibodies to HIV. Conventional ELISA assays require from 1.5 to 3.5 hours to complete and an optical density (OD) reader to record results. We have therefore considered the applicability of using rapid tests for the screening of blood donors. The Testpack method is quick to perform; easy to interpret and sensitive. Results indicate that the Testpack method is suitable for the screening of blood donors and in emergency situations