Antibodies to hepatitis C virus by second generation test in hemodialyzed patients.
To assess the prevalence and the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a dialysis unit, we prospectively tested for anti-HCV in chronic hemodialysis patients and staff members since January 1989, using a first generation assay. Incidence was nil in staff and low in patients (3.7% in 89, 1% in 90), and prevalence was 30% in patients. In January 1991 blood samples from 115 patients were tested by first (EL1) and second generation (EL2) ELISA (Ortho Diagnostic System). Positive subjects were tested by a RIBA-2 confirmation test. Fifty-three patients were negative by all tests. Positive tests were observed in 62 patients (54%) including 36 positive in EL1 and EL2, and 26 only by EL2. All positive patients were reactive by RIBA-2 but nine were classified undetermined (only one positive band). In five patients reactivity of antibodies to 5-1-1 and C-100-3 gradually declined during the study. Second generation tests gave a better correlation with time on dialysis and blood transfusion. We conclude that second generation tests for HCV are more accurate for estimating true prevalence of HCV infection in hemodialysis units.
Chauveau
P
P
INTS Cabanel and E. Rist Medical Center, Paris, France.
Courouce
A M
AM
Lemarec
N
N
Naret
C
C
Poignet
J L
JL
Girault
A
A
Ramdame
M
M
Delons
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D000410:Alanine Transaminase