Abstract

ECHAGUE, G et al. Complementary tests for the problem of B and C virus infection diagnosis in blood donors. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2009, vol.7, n.1, pp.5-12. ISSN 1812-9528.

The aim of this study was to determine if liver transaminases had value as complementary tests to orientate the diagnosis of hepatitis B and C in blood donors with positive antibody to these viral infections by the EIA method, considering that confirmatory tests such as the recombinant immunoassay (RIBA) or nucleic acid test by molecular techniques such as PCR (HCV RNA) for hepatitis C and viral DNA (PCR) for hepatitis B are not performed in our country due to their high costs. We are looking for joining efforts in public health from the blood banks due to the importance of reaching a diagnosis of seropositive donors who have been detected in the screening to prevent the spread of hepatitises. Serologic tests for hepatitis C, antibodies against the core antigen of hepatitis B and determinations of the levels of ALT or GPT (Alanine aminotransferase or Glutamic pyruvic transaminase), AST or GOT (Aspartate aminotransferase or Glutamic oxalacetic transaminase) were carried out in 236 blood donors seropositive for hepatitis B and C of the Blood Bank of the Hospital de Clinicas, National University of Asuncion, Paraguay. Elevated transaminases were classified according to the positive serological markers for hepatitis B and C finding high levels in 13.9% in donors with anti-HBc, 40% in donors with anti HCV and two of seven cases in donors with positive serology for both serological markers. Almost half of the donors with positive serologic marker for anti HCV had elevated transaminases.

Keywords : Aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST); alanine aminotransferase (GPT/ALT); surface antigen (HBsAg); antibody to core antigen (anti-HBc); anti-HVC.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )