Antibody to hepatitis C virus in thalassemia patients.
A specific enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was developed by recombinant DNA technology. Abbott HCV EIA was used to detect antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) in non-transfused and multiply-transfused thalassemia patients. None of 11 non-transfused patients had anti-HCV but 3 of 52 (5.8%) multiply-transfused patients had anti-HCV. This study showed that the prevalence rate of HCV infection is low in thalassemia patients. However, it is still important to identify hepatitis C virus infected patients in high risk groups because hepatitis C is associated with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Isahak
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Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Baharin
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R
Hakim
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AS
Abu Bakar
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M
George
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E
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D000410:Alanine Transaminase