Screening of window HBV infection among Egyptian blood donors

Transfusion-transmitted viral infection is present worldwide among blood donors. In the present study prevalence of early acute HBV infection among the eligible blood units for donation was investigated. Sera [760] from Egyptian blood donors [636 [83.68%] males and 124 [16.32%] females], who met donor selection criteria, were routinely screened for HBsAg, HCV-Ab, HIV 1/2-Ab and Syphilis-Ab. Accepted blood units for donation were further tested for liver and kidney functions and the presence of HBc-IgM and HBV-DNA. Screening resulted in 38 [5%] HCV-Ab positive units, 9 [1.18%] HBsAg positive units and one [0.13%] Syphilis-Ab positive unit. Testing of the accepted units for donation [712, 597 [83.84%] male and 115 [16.16%] female] resulted in one [0.13%] HBc-IgM positive unit and 2/30 HBV-DNA positive units. The routine screening of blood unit, to some extent, discovered the current viral infection but failed to detect early acute or window HBV infections where HBsAg is absent. ALT and AST levels were not indicative in viral infection in accepted blood donors at window period. Our study suggests that sensitive methods for detection of HBV [e.g. PCR] may be recommended in screening of donated blood. Anti-HBc antibody should be tested routinely on all donated blood units