Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in blood donors in Riyadh.
Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was determined in 580 voluntary blood donors in Riyadh. Among 403 Saudis screened, the prevalence was 1.24%, while among 177 expatriates screened the prevalence was 4.52%. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.02; x(2)test). The overall prevalence of 2.24% is lower than that reported in Spain (7.3%) but higher than reports from the United Kingdom (0.5 to 1%0, Italy (0.87%), or Germany (0.24 to 0.79%0. In view of reports that blood positive for anti-HCV can transmit non-A, non-B hepatitis, it is advisable to routinely screen donor blood for anti-HCV.
Al-Mofarreh
M
M
Departments of Medicine, and Central Laboratory and Blood Bank, Riyadh Central Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fakunle
Y M
YM
El-Karamany
W M
WM
Ezzat
H O
HO
Ballesteros
M N
MN
Khawaji
M Z
MZ
El-Drees
A Z
AZ