Transfusion associated hepatitis in patients with schistosomiasis

The study population [208 subjects] was divided into four groups in relation to the risk of blood transfusion. Schistosomal patients comprised two groups; one with previous history of blood transfusion [n: 61] and the other gave no history of past exposure to transfusion [n: 50]. Non schistosomal subjects included 42 patients with history of repeated transfusion and 55 healthy controls with no apparent parenteral risks. Hepatitis markers B, D and C were assayed using enzyme immunoassay [EIA]. Serum samples reactive by HCV EIA were further tested with recombinant immunoblot assay [RIBA-2]. A significantly higher HB carrier state [positive HBs Ag] was observed among the schistosomol group whereas, markers of previous exposure to HBV [anti-HBs, total anti Hbc and anti-HBe] were not significantly different among schistosomal groups and transfused non schistosomal ones, yet they differed significantly from the healthy controls. Anti-HCV seroprevalence was significantly higher among schistosomal and transfused non-schistosomal groups than the control group with a recorded good correlation between second generation EIA and RIbA tests. Schistosomiasis is believed to be a potent risk factor for HB and HCV infection and is comparable to the risk of transfusion. It is also considered to be a major cause of persistance and superinfection with hepatitis virus infection