Infection with hepatitis B and C viruses and human retroviruses (HTLV-I and HIV) among high-risk Lebanese patients.

Abstract

Three groups of Lebanese patients (haemophiliacs, patients on cycled cancer chemotherapy who were regularly receiving blood transfusions, and intravenous drug users) and a control group of healthy blood donors were checked for markers of infection with hepatitis viruses (B and C) and human retroviruses (HIV and HTLV-I). Compared with the controls, all three groups of patients were more likely to be seropositive for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and the haemophiliacs and cancer patients (but not the relatively young drug users) were more likely to be seropositive for hepatitis B virus (HBV). All the haemophiliacs and cancer patients found to be carrying the surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) and/or to be seropositive for anti-HCV had given the same result when tested before the screening of blood and blood products for HBsAg and anti-HCV became routine practice in Lebanon (a decade before the present study). The four intravenous drug users (IVDU) found seropositive for HBV (two cases) or anti-HCV (two cases) had seroconverted in the 2 years prior to the present study. In addition to highlighting the problem of HCV infection among IVDU, the present results emphasise the need for the careful screening of donated blood for all blood-borne viruses, and for the exclusive use of disposable equipment in the management of cancer patients. The anti-HBV vaccination of IVDU is recommended but only the results of further clinical evaluation will show whether the similar vaccination of patients on cycled cancer chemotherapy is of value. Although none of the patients or controls was found positive for anti-HIV-1, anti-HIV-2 or anti-HTLV-I, the routine screening of blood and blood products for these viruses (particularly for HIV) should remain mandatory.