The Prevalence of Hepatitis A Among Blood Donors in Golestan Province in the Northeast of Iran

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis A is a virus with linear and positive strand RNA. As HAV has no envelope, it is more resistant to environmental stress than other hepatitis viruses, and it can be transmitted by water and food. HAV infection is acquired commonly by the fecal-oral route and in adults, it can leave very serious complications, including fulminate hepatitis. The virus is infectious for one to two weeks in the bloodstream before symptoms appear. In the acute phase of the disease, when the virus is presented in the bloodstream, it is possible to transfer via blood transfusion and plasma products. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the frequency of antibodies against HAV and the acute phase of the disease among blood donors in Golestan province in the northeast of Iran. Methods: Sera of 400 blood donors in Golestan province who were negative for anti-HIV, HBs Ag, and anti-HCV were tested for the total anti-HAV antibody, anti-HAV IgM, and HAV-RNA. Total antibodies (IgG+IgM) and IgM were determined by the ELISA method using commercial kits. HAV-RNA was detected by nested RT-PCR. Results: Overall, 91% of the analyzed specimens were anti-HAV seropositive and all blood donors were negative for anti-HAV IgM. HAV-RNA was not found in any serum samples. Conclusions: The prevalence of HAV was high among blood donors in Golestan province and due to high anti-HAV seroprevalence rates, the blood donors are safe in terms of virus transfer.