Hepatitis C infection in plasmapheresis donors: an overlooked risk factor for transmission?
Hepatitis C virus infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and puts significant burden on health resources. Traditionally, risk factors are well recognized. Despite this, a significant percentage of people infected with hepatitis C have no identifiable mode of transmission. However, it is known that a significant number of donors at plasmapheresis have positive hepatitis C serology, thereby potentially contaminating the equipment and putting both donors and recipients at risk. Here, we describe two patients who acquired hepatitis C infection following voluntary donation at plasmapheresis abroad and suggest that this is an unusual and overlooked mode of transmission.
Smyth
C M
CM
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Gastroenterology, Beaumont Hospital and Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
Manning
D S
DS
Byrne
M F
MF
Murray
F E
FE
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors