Occult hepatitis B virus infection among hepatitis C virus seropositive and seronegative blood donors in Alexandria, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Background and aims: Occult hepatitis B virus infection [OBI, serum hepatitis B surface antigen negative but hepatitis B virus DNA positive] is an emerging problem in the safety of blood transfusion. The introduction of hepatitis B surface antigen in the screening panel for blood bank donors has substantially reduced, but not entirely eliminated, the risk of hepatitis B virus infection. It has been suggested that infection with hepatitis C virus may inhibit hepatitis B virus replication. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors for OBI among blood donors and determining its relationship with hepatitis C virus infection