Detekcija dobrovoljnog darivatelja krvi s preboljelom infekcijom hepatitisa Bprikaz bolesnice

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B is liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus, with more than 250 million documented cases worldwide in the chronic form of infection. Markers of hepatitis B infection can be measured in the blood during or after infection and may be present in the form of specific hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or antibodies to hepatitis B surface (HBs), core (HBc), or envelope (HBe) antigens. Case report: A 42-year-old female, who successfully donated blood for the first time, underwent mandatory serological and molecular testing along with additional testing for other hepatitis B markers. Standard screening showed the absence of HBsAg in the blood, but additional serological testing confirmed the presence of total antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Upon repeated reactive results, the sample was sent for confirmatory testing to a reference center. After obtaining all the results, it was determined that the voluntary blood donor had the presence of anti-HB cand HBs antibodies, indicating a prior contact with the hepatitis B virus. While serological tests suggested a resolved hepatitis B infection, the possibility of a persistent liver infection could not be ruled out, despite the absence of detectable hepatitis B virus DNA in the blood. Therefore, the individual has been permanently excluded from the list of potential blood donors. Conclusion: Mandatory serological and molecular testing of blood donors for the hepatitis B virus successfully detects potentially infected individuals and carriers of hepatitis B markers. However, additional testing further enhances the safety of both recipients and blood donors. This case study highlights the importance of comprehensive screening for hepatitis B markers, as relying solely on HBsAg screening would not have identified the voluntary blood donor as a resolved hepatitis B case. Thus, comprehensive screening ensures a higher level of safety in blood transfusion and contributes to overall healthcare protection.