[From non-A non-B hepatitis to hepatitis C].
In 1974, the existence of hepatitis serologically distinct from hepatitis A and B was recognized. They were tentatively designated non-A non-B. They accounted for 90% of post-transfusional hepatitis. During 15 years numerous studies failed to identify agent(s) responsible for these hepatitis. In 1989 the virus responsible for parenteral non-A non-B hepatitis was identified and named hepatitis C virus. Shortly after, the virus responsible for enteral non-A, non-B was also discovered (hepatitis E virus). During these 15 years, a 60% reduction of post-transfusional hepatitis was obtained both by the measures instituted to prevent AIDS transmission and by the introduction of surrogate assays (ALT levels and anti-HBc antibody).
Couroucé
A M
AM
Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris.
D001782:Blood Donors; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000266:history*; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D016752:Hepatitis E virus / Q000145:classification; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D065227:Transfusion Reaction