Serum Alanine Aminotransferase may not be a good surrogate marker of Hepatitis C Virus infection: A Study of Blood Donors in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Prior to the identification of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989, raised serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was used as a surrogate marker for non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis agents to reduce the risk of post-transfusion hepatitis. Most of this NANB hepatitis was later found to be due to HCV infection. The absence of a national screening policy for HCV infection and the non-availability of screening facilities in most of our health institution may place many blood recipients at risk of HCV infection. Aim: This study was set to evaluate the usefulness of serum ALT as a surrogate marker of HCV infection in blood donors. Methodology: The study was conducted at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital between August 2002 to November 2002. Ninety-six healthy, volunteer, blood donors were screened for anti-HCV using a third-generation ELISA test kits, and all had serum ALT levels measured. Result: Antibodies against HCV was detected in 10.4% of donors and the overall mean serum ALT level was 8.84 (±5.6) iu/L. The mean serum ALT level for anti-HCV positive and negative was 7.7 (±2.45) and 8.9 (±5.86) iu/L, respectively, of which, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: While the prevalence of antibodies against HCV in blood donors appears to be high in north-eastern Nigeria, serum ALT levels may not be a good surrogate marker for HCV infection in blood donors in this environment. Key Words: Blood donors, HCV, Serum ALT levels. Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(3) 2004: 88-91