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- Title
Hepatitis B core antibodies in Danish blood donors: a surrogate marker of risk behaviour.
- Authors
Christensen, P. B.; Titlestad, I. L.; Homburg, K. M.; Georgsen, J.; Kristensen, T.
- Abstract
Background and Objectives The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) among Danish blood donors and to correlate this with risk factors for blood-borne and sexually transmitted diseases. Materials and Methods During a 5-month period, 10 862 consecutive donors in the County of Funen were screened for anti-HBc, and repeat-reactive samples were confirmed by supplementary testing. Information on risk factors was assessed by questionnaire in 585 consecutive anti-HBc-negative blood donors and compared with information obtained from confirmed positive donors. Results The prevalence of confirmed positive anti-HBc among donors was 0·70% (76/10 862, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·55–0·87). One donor was positive for anti-HBc immunoglobulin M (IgM); none tested positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. In a logistic regression analysis, age, female gender, tattoos and commercial sexual relations, were independent predictive factors for the presence of anti-HBc. Conclusion Anti-HBc is a surrogate marker for previous risk behaviour in the Danish blood donor population. We suggest that screening for anti-HBc may be used among new donors to supplement interviews on risk behaviour.
- Subjects
DENMARK; IMMUNOGLOBULINS; HEPATITIS B virus; BLOOD donors
- Publication
Vox Sanguinis, 2001, Vol 81, Issue 4, p222
- ISSN
0042-9007
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1046/j.0042-9007.2001.00113.x