Detection of hepatitis C virus in the corneas of seropositive donors.
OBJECTIVE
There have been no reported cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission by corneal transplantation. Previous studies have also shown no correlation between HCV seropositivity and the presence of HCV RNA in the corneal tissues. This study aims to investigate such correlation and to provide further evidence to the possible transmissibility of HCV via corneal grafts.


METHODS
Of the 1,619 potential corneal donors to the Eye Bank of Canada over a 1-year period, 15 tested HCV-positive by the second-generation Abbott HCV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) 2.0 assay. Their sera were further tested with second-generation radio-immunoblot assay (RIBA-II), and their corneas (29 altogether) were processed for identification of HCV RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
Of the 29 corneas from seropositive donors, HCV RNA was detected in 7 (24.1%).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study in the literature that demonstrates a significant correlation between HCV seropositivity and the presence of HCV in the corneas. Routine HCV serologic testing for all potential corneal donors and rejection of corneal tissues based on HCV seropositivity is certainly justifiable.
Lee
H M
HM
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, The Toronto Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Naor
J
J
Alhindi
R
R
Chinfook
T
T
Krajden
M
M
Mazzulli
T
T
Rootman
D S
DS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003315:Cornea / Q000821:virology*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000821:virology*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005125:Eye Banks; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014019:Tissue Donors
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral