Post-Transfusion Hepatitis—Update

Abstract

Rapid progress has been made in the epidemiology, virology, pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis A and B infections during the last 50 years. The widespread testing of blood donors for HBsAg by sensitive methods has dramatically reduced the incidence of post-transfusion hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). This reduction has uncovered the existence of another hepatitis-causing agent or agents, the non-A, non-B hepatitis virus, which now accounts for about 90% of post-transfusion hepatitis cases. The epidemiology, clinical manifestations and pathology of non-A, non-B hepatitis are reviewed. Guidelines for the use of immune globulins for prophylaxis are discussed.