Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in haemophiliacs.
The prevalence of 1) hepatitis C virus (HCV), an agent likely to be responsible for parenterally transmitted hepatitis non-A, non-B, 2) hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 3) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was studied in 211 patients with clotting disorders (78% of the patients had residual factor activities of less than or equal to 2%). Of these patients 71% were positive for HBV markers and 44% for HIV markers. Using a new ELISA technique, 80% were anti-HCV-positive. The prevalence of anti-HCV was greater in patients with more severe clotting disorders and was related to the total amount of replacement therapy received; the prevalence was less in older patients. Seroconversion after a single exposure to dry heat-treated factor concentrates was documented in 3 patients 3-4 months after exposure.
Schramm
W
W
Department of Haemostaseology, University Clinic Innenstadt, University of Munich, München, Federal Republic of Germany.
Roggendorf
M
M
Rommel
F
F
Kammerer
R
R
Pohlmann
H
H
Rasshofer
R
R
Gürtler
L
L
Deinhardt
F
F
D005169:Factor VIII / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology* / Q000635:transmission; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D005169:Factor VIII