Determination of HBV genotypes among HBs Ag positive blood donors in Tehran, Iran using PCR-RFLP

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] is one of the major causative agents of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide and is believed to be responsible for a million deaths annually. On the basis of a comparison of complete genomic sequences, HBV has been classified into eight genotypes A-H which show a geographical distribution. Some genotypes are associated with different clinical outcomes. Identification of HBV genotypes is important to begin and follow up the treatment. In this cross-sectional study, the serum samples of blood donors were collected from Tehran Blood Transfusion Centers in period during "2005-2006". Sera of 55 blood donors who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen were selected. DNA was extracted using commercial kit and the S gene sequence was amplified by nested-PCR. PCR products were then analyzed for restriction enzymes that would be genotype specific. Genotype D was found the only type in all HBV DNA positive serum samples, in Tehran. Genotype D is dominant among Tehran's blood donors, which is consistent with Iran and the Middle East dominant genotype

preliminary report on prevalence of antibody response to GBV-C, E2 protien in Iranian blood donors and multitransfused patients

To analyze serologic markers of Hepatitis G virus [GBV-c] infection in Iranian blood donors and two major groups of multitransfused patients, hemophiliacs and thalassemics. Nine hundred and five serum samples collected from the volunteer blood donors and two patient groups under the study were tested for the presence of antibodies to the GBV-C antigen [anti E2] by an ELISA assay .Those found positive for anti- E2 were also tested for possible exposure to HCV by detecting anti- HCV in their sera. Levels of ALT were also tested to evaluate impact on liver function. Approximately 8.6% of the volunteer blood donors were found positive for anti-E2 .The prevalence rate in hemophiliacs was 41.4% and in thalassemia patients was 33.4%, which was significantly [P< 0.05] higher than donors. However, the prevalence rate among the two high risk groups was not statistically significant. A large number of the healthy blood donors in Iran have been exposed to the GBV-C. The significantly higher levels seen in the multitransfused patients can be regarded as an important route of transmission. It seems that no evidence of liver damage in individuals exposed confirming that GBV-C is not a hepatitis virus

study of effect of short-term, temporary deferral on blood donor return rate

Blood donors are deferred for numerous reasons. Some reasons for permanent deferral are intravenous drug use, male homosexual contact or certain positive test results. However, the majority of donor deferrals are short-term temporary deferrals [STTDs] that are resolved in a matter of days, weeks or months, thereafter donors would be considered again as eligible blood donors. The effect of STTDs on blood donor return rates and subsequent blood donations is studied. The present study was historical cohort. Donors facing STTDs during the 15 Dec 1999 to 15 Mar 2000 were randomly computer-matched with non-deferred donors on the basis of donation date [case group: 804 donors; control group: 295 donors]. Computer records were evaluated during the 3 years that followed [2 1 Mar 2000 to 2 1 Mar 2003] to determine donor return rates. Chi-square analysis was used for comparison. The most common reasons for STTDs were elevated blood pressure, certain medication, bacterial infection, cold, and sore throat. Blood donor return rates were 32.4% [in the case of those deferred for cold /sore throat], 42% [those deferred for medication], 29.3% [those with hypertension], and 37.3% [for bacterial infection] over the 3 years that followed. Non deferred donors were a little more likely than donors with STTDs to return over these 3 years [36.6% vs. 34.8%; p=0.57], and non-deferred donors donated more whole blood units. Donors with STTDs have a negative impact on blood donor return rates. The blood center's goal should be to keep donors in the donor pool. Measures to alleviate negative effects on donors with STTDs should be also taken

High prevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG antibody among hemophilia patients in center for special diseases, Shiraz, Iran

Human parvovirus B19, the causative agent of fifth disease in childhood, is non-enveloped DNA virus and resistant to many physicochemical agents. B19 is a potential risk to hemophiliac patients receiving blood products. To determine the prevalence of the corresponding antibody in patients with hemophilia A or B or Von Will brand's disease [VWBD], we tested 180 hemophilia patients aged 1-45 years for anti B19 IgG. This work was descriptive, cross-sectional study. The results were compared with those of 400 age-matched controls, male blood donors and male children [18-45 and 3-17 years of age, respectively]. The overall prevalence of B19 IgG in the hemophilia patients was 74% [133/180], and in the controls 56.5% [226/400, P<0.001]. The significant difference in prevalence of B19 IgG between hemophiliacs and healthy persons demonstrated that there was a high risk of transmission of parvovirus B19 through plasma- derived clotting products. These observations demonstrate that parvovirus B19 is frequently transmitted in blood products. Existing virus-inactivating methods do not prevent transmission