Blood Bank Donors Research Articles

Blood ABO groups and risk of breast cancer

To the editor ABO blood group has been previously found to be associated with the risk of gastrointestinal malignancies including gastric cancer and pancreas cancer [1, 2]. However, there is no data about the association of breast cancer with ABO blood groups. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ABO blood group and breast cancer risk by comparing the blood groups of breast cancer patients with healthy female donors in a cross-sectional model. Patients with breast cancer (n = 565) who were admitted to our clinic between 2004 and 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. The control group comprised healthy female blood-bank donors (n = 1853). The frequency of distributions of ABO blood groups and Rh types was nearly identical among the patients and the controls (Table 1). When the clinical and pathological characteristics of the patients with different blood groups were compared, again no significant difference was observed considering age at the time of diagnosis, menopausal state, disease stage, hormone receptor and HER2 expression, tumor size, lymph node involvement, lymphovascular/perineural invasion and tumor grade. In conclusion, there seems to be no association between ABO blood type and the risk of breast cancer or any specific clinical or pathological feature of breast cancer in our patient population.

Risque résiduel de transmission du VIH et du VHB par transfusion sanguine entre 2003 et 2005 au Centre national de transfusion sanguine de Dakar (Sénégal)

Background and aim Using of safety blood products did not stop improving these last years. The use of effective methods as well immunologicals as virologicals ones really reduces risk associated to blood transfusion. However, it persists residual risk (RR) of transfusion transmitted viral diseases. The aim of our study was to detect cases of seroconversion for HIV,and HBV among donors in the Senegalese national blood bank. And then, we estimated the RR of these virus. Methods We led a transverse retrospective study from 2003 (January 1st) to 2005 (December 31st). Had been included donors with at least two donations of blood during the period of study. They had to be seronegative for HIV and HBV after the first donation. All donors with only one donation had been excluded. RR was estimated by multiplying incidence rates by the durations of the window periods. Results During 3 years, we collected 425,503 donations; 388 were positive for HIV and 4240 for HBV. But we noted only two cases of seroconversion for HIV and 23 for HBV. So, RR estimated was 3,5 in 100,000 donation for HIV and 102,45 in 100,000 donations for VHB. Conclusion It emerges from this study that the risk of blood transmitted virus is always high. Introduction of more sensitive tests (as nucleic acid testing) would allow us to deliver more safety products.

Cross-reactivity between cockroach and ladybug using the radioallergosorbent test

Home infestations from Harmonia axyridis (ladybug) occur throughout the United States. IgE-mediated sensitization with allergic disease has been reported. The prevalence of ladybug sensitization has been studied by questionnaire and allergy testing in patients diagnosed as having allergic disease. Cross-reactivity with cockroach exists. To determine the prevalence of ladybug specific IgE in the general population by specific IgE immunoassay and to examine cross-reactivity to cockroach. An experimental solid phase for use in immunoassay was prepared using a ladybug extract, and performance characteristics were determined. Serum samples from 100 adult blood bank donors were tested using the ladybug specific IgE immunoassay. Known ladybug IgE-positive serum samples obtained from symptomatic patients were used to study crossreactivity with German cockroach by specific IgE immunoassay inhibition. The mean background response of the assay solid phase was 51 fluorescent units with an analytical cutoff of 59 fluorescent units. It was estimated that a response of 88 fluorescent units corresponds to a specific IgE concentration of 0.1 kUa/L. The extinction dilution curve was linear to 0.1 kUa/L. The assay cutoff was set at 0.1 kUa/L. Of the 100 blood donor serum samples, 10 were positive for ladybug specific IgE. Inhibition assays revealed partial cross-reactivity with German cockroach. Although an immunoassay solid phase prepared with ladybug whole body extract will identify persons in a general population sensitized to epitopes found in the extract, clinicians performing allergy testing using whole body ladybug extract should be aware that a positive result may or may not indicate that exposure to actual ladybug allergens is causing sensitization.

Quality of paediatric blood transfusions in two district hospitals in Tanzania: a cross-sectional hospital based study

BackgroundBlood transfusion (BT) can be lifesaving for children; however, monitoring the quality of BT is important. The current study describes the quality of paediatric BT delivered in two district hospitals in north-east Tanzania in order to identify areas for quality assurance and improvement in the administration of BT.MethodsAll 166 children admitted in the paediatric wards and receiving BT through April to June 2007 were prospectively observed. Medical records, request forms and registers in the laboratories were reviewed to identify blood source, blood screening and indications for BT. BT was observation before, during and after transfusion process.ResultsMalaria related anaemia accounted for 98% of the BTs. Ninety-two percent of the children were assessed for paleness. Clinical signs such as difficult breathing and symptoms of cardiac failure were only assessed in 67% and 15% of the children respectively, prior to the BT decision. Pre-transfusion haemoglobin and body temperature were recorded in 2/3 of the patients, but respiratory rate and pulse rate were not routinely recorded. In 40% of BTs, the transfusion time exceeded the recommended 4 hours.The zonal blood bank (ZBB) and local donors accounted for 10% and 90% of the blood, respectively. ABO and RhD typing and screening for HIV and syphilis were undertaken in all transfused blood. Evidence for hepatitis B or C infection was not checked except in the ZBB.ConclusionCriteria for BT are not always fulfilled; time to initiate and complete the transfusion is often unacceptable long and monitoring of vital signs during BT is poor. Blood from the ZBB was often not available and BT often depended on local donors which implied lack of screening for hepatitis B and C. It is recommended that an external supervision system be established to monitor and evaluate the quality of BT performance in the laboratories as well as in wards.

Serologic and molecular typing of human T‐lymphotropic virus among blood donors in Maputo City, Mozambique

Screening for human T-lymphotropic virus-1/2 (HTLV-1/2) infection is not performed in blood banks in Mozambique. The aim was to determine the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 among blood donors of the Maputo Central Hospital Blood Bank and measure the coinfection rate of HTLV-1/2 with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and syphilis. A total of 2019 consecutive blood donors were screened for HTLV-1/2 antibodies, HIV-1/2 antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) for syphilis. Specimens reactive on a first HTLV-1/2 enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were retested using a second EIA. Specimens that were dually reactive on both EIAs were further tested using Western blot (WB) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All 18 dually reactive specimens (0.89%; 95% confidence interval, 0.48%-1.30%) were positive for the presence of HTLV-1 by WB and real-time PCR. HTLV-2 was not detected. The prevalences of anti-HIV, HBsAg, and reactivity in the RPR test were 5.72, 6.01, and 0.98 percent, respectively. There was no significant association between HTLV-1 infection and demographic variables (age and sex) or serologic markers (HIV, HBsAg, and RPR). For the 17 HTLV-1-positive donors for whom serologic data for HIV, HBsAg, and syphilis RPR were available, 2 showed coinfection with HIV and 1 with HBV. Compared to other infectious agents, HTLV-1 is present at relatively low levels among blood donors in Mozambique. Cost and logistics will present as major challenges for introducing HTLV-1/2 screening in blood banks. In blood banks in Southern Africa where EIA testing is possible, a sequential algorithm of two EIAs may be a cost-efficient option for HTLV-1/2 screening.

Leptospiral glycolipoprotein as a candidate antigen for serodiagnosis of human leptospirosis

Development of a simple, specific, rapid and inexpensive Dot-ELISA test for early diagnosis of human leptospirosis. Serum samples from 90 patients diagnosed with leptospirosis were analysed by Dot-ELISA test incorporating Glycolipoprotein (GLP) antigen from serovars Copenhageni and Patoc. Results were compared with those obtained with microscopic agglutination test, currently, the gold standard reference serological method. Serum samples from healthy blood bank donors and patients diagnosed with diseases other than leptospirosis were used as negative controls. The specificities of both GLP-based assays were 97.1% and 100% with serum samples from patients with other diseases and with serum samples from healthy control group, respectively. With serum samples from patients with acute leptospirosis, sensitivity was 76.6% with Dot-ELISA Copenhageni and 90.0% with Dot-ELISA Patoc. With serum samples from patients in convalescence, sensitivity was 100% with both GLP-based assays. This Dot-ELISA provides a candidate antigen for serodiagnosis of leptospirosis during all phases of illness and could be a good alternative method for the early diagnosis of leptospirosis. The Dot-ELISA test is simple, specific, rapid and inexpensive. It is suitable for identifying a large number of samples and, hence, reducing the death rate of patients with leptospirosis.

Understanding the HIV Epidemic in the Dominican Republic: A Prevention Success Story in the Caribbean?

To analyze the general dynamics and trends of the HIV epidemic in the Dominican Republic (DR). Thorough review of available HIV seroprevalence and sexual behavioral data from the DR. Multiple sources of data suggest that the DR's HIV epidemic has generally declined. Between the mid-1990s and about 2002, HIV-1 prevalence fell among pregnant women in the capital, Santo Domingo, particularly among young women. Declines in prevalence were also observed over the same period among sexually transmitted infection clinic patients, blood bank donors, US entry visa applicants, and female sex workers. National household surveys found 1.0% (confidence interval: 0.9% to 1.1%) adult prevalence in 2002 and 0.8% (0.6% to 0.9%) in 2007. Among largely Haitian immigrant residents of the impoverished former "sugarcane plantations," prevalence was much higher but declined from 5.0% to 3.2% between 2002 and 2007. The DR's heterogeneous epidemic includes an important men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) and bisexual component. The proportion of reported AIDS cases among men remained constant from 1989 to 2006, accounting for about two thirds of both total cumulative and year 2006 cases. Some survey and qualitative data also suggest a considerable occurrence of MSM-related risk behaviors. HIV prevalence remains relatively high in MSM, with no evidence of significant decrease. As in several other developing countries that have succeeded in slowing HIV transmission, HIV reductions in the DR seem mainly due to changes in sexual behavior, particularly increased condom use, especially for sex work, and partner reduction in men. Similarly favorable HIV declines and reported behavior change have occurred in some other Caribbean countries, including neighboring Haiti. However, of concern is that anal sex, both male-male and heterosexual, remains a taboo yet apparently common practice largely ignored by existing prevention campaigns. And although the DR epidemic has generally stabilized, there is a danger of complacency, and some recent data suggest that HIV prevalence is no longer declining (and may even be increasing) in some populations.

Polymorphisms in folate-related genes and risk of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

AbstractPolymorphisms in folate pathway genes may influence the susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). DNA was isolated from 245 pediatric ALL patients (cases) and from 500 blood bank donors (controls). Polymorphisms in methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677C>T, 1298A>C), methionine synthase (MTR 2756A>G), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR 66A>G), methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD1 1958G>A), nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT IVS −151C>T), serine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT1 1420C>T), thymidylate synthase (TS 2R3R), and the reduced folate carrier (RFC1 80G>A) were detected. In ALL patients, an increased occurrence was observed of the RFC1 80AA variant (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-3.2; P = .002) and the RFC1 80A allele (OR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1; P = .02). Likewise, the NNMT IVS −151TT genotype showed a 2.2-fold increased ALL risk (OR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6; P = .04). A 1.4-fold reduction in ALL risk was observed for (heterozygous or homozygous) carriers of the TS 2R allele and the MTHFR 677T allele (OR = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-1.0; P < .05). Furthermore, interactions between NNMT and MTHFR 677C>T and RFC1 were observed. NNMT IVS −151CC/MTHFR 677CT + TT patients exhibited a 2-fold reduction in ALL risk whereas RFC1 80AA/NNMT IVS −151CT + TT subjects had a 4.2-fold increase in ALL risk (P = .001). For the first time, we associate the RFC1 80G>A and NNMT IVS −151C>T variants to an increased ALL susceptibility.

Efficacy of benznidazol treatment for asymptomatic chagasic patients from state of Rio Grande do Sul evaluated during a three years follow-up

The efficacy of benznidazol on the treatment of chagasic patients from the state of Rio Grande do Sul was evaluated during a three-year follow-up. A cohort of 80 asymptomatic chronic chagasic patients or blood bank donors (49 male and 31 female) was studied. Their ages varied from 17-42 years, with a mean and a median of 30 and 35 years, respectively. The 80 patients presented positive serology, hemoculture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). They were treated with 5 mg/Kg benznidazol twice a day for 60 days. Serological, parasitological and PCR methods were used to evaluate response. Serology was performed using commercial ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) tests, parasitemia was monitored by hemoculture in LIT medium and PCR with primers S35/S36 was used to amplify a Trypanosoma cruzi 330 bp kDNA repetitive sequence. PCR positivity of 240 seropositive individuals was compared using DNA preparations from whole blood/guanidine EDTA (GE), buffy-coat/GE and frozen buffy-coat. Fifty non-chagasic individuals were used as negative controls. PCR positivity was 86.7% for the frozen buffy-coat, 71.7% for the GE/buffy-coat and 69.2% for the GE/whole blood. The hemocultures became negative just after treatment and remained negative during the three years of follow-up. In the third year after treatment, 9/80 (11.3%) patients presented negative PCR and, from those, four also presented negative serological tests. Furthermore, a reduction in three serological titers was observed in 27/80 (33.8%) of the patients treated. Taken together, the results show that four of the 80 (5.0%) chronic chagasic patients from the state of Rio Grande do Sul were cured after treatment with benznidazol.

P01-208 Protocadherin alpha gene polymorphisms in bipolar disorder. Results from the Czech cohort

Aims:Protocadherins (PCHD) are cell adhesion proteins with an important role in neuronal migration, differentiation and synaptogenesis. The linkage studies suggest that the 5q31-linked protocadherin family locus should be considered as potential candidate locus in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In this study, we focused particularly on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in PCHDα enhancer. Results from the Czech cohort of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) will be presented.Methods:Unrelated inpatients and outpatients with BD based on Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia - Lifetime (n=167) and blood bank donors as control subjects (n=211) were recruited in the study. Four SNPs posted in dbSNP (rs31745, rs10036519, rs3756337 and rs59497) in the PCDHα gene enhancer were analyzed. The data sets were analysed using a case control design.Results:In case of SNP, rs31745, a significant increase in homozygosity for the minor allele (T) was detected in patients with BD; 5% had this genotype, but no controls (p=0.001). The distribution of allels did not differ between patients and controls. No significant differences were found in allele or genotype distribution for three other SNPs.Conclusions:The findings suggest that the PCHDα is an interesting gene family to consider in BD susceptibility.

Influência de polimorfismos genéticos sobre a atividade da enzima hidroximetilbilano sintase

Acute intermittent porphyria, an autosomal dominant disease, results from the halfnormal activity of the heme biosynthetic enzyme, hydroxymethylbilane synthase. The disease can be diagnosed by biochemical methods, through the detection of the increase in production and excretion of precursors of porphyrins in urine, through the determination of enzymatic activity by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric assays and molecular methods. A pilot study revealed that the values of the activity of hydroxymethylbilane synthase overlap in normal individuals and patients with acute intermittent porphyria. In this study, were evaluated 80 donors of Blood Bank of the University Hospital Antonio Pedro and 124 individuals of four families with a history of acute intermittent porphyria. The main objective was to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the phenotypic expression of hydroxymethylbilane synthase. The frequency of genetic polymorphisms in gene was studied and was examined whether these polymorphisms present some influence on the reduction of activity of hydroxymethylbilane synthase. Previously, whole blood samples were collected for isolation of genomic DNA by the method of precipitation saline and evaluation of enzyme activity in hemolysate, which was quantified by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric assays. Subjects were classified in disabled people and not disabled by reference values established in these methods. Families with historic of acute intermittent porphyria had mutations defined by PCRSSCP and sequencing in a previous study. The carriers were identified in the pattern SSCP. The polymorphisms C2377A (Apa LI), A2478G (Bst NI), G1345A (Msp I) and T1500C (Pst I) in intron 1; A3581G (Bsm AI) in intron 3 and C7064A (Hinf I), in intron 10, in the gene that encodes the enzyme hydroxymethylbilane synthase were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. In the group of blood donors, the allelic frequencies for the six polymorphisms were similar to those found in the general population. In comparing the allelic distribution between families and donors, significant difference for the six polymorphisms in the family D, polymorphisms G1345A, A3581G and C7064A in family B and A2478G and G1345A in family SP. The distribution of genotypes of polymorphisms C2377A, A2478G, G1345A, A3581G and C7064A in families with a history of acute intermittent porphyria was significantly different distribution found for blood donors, indicating that these polymorphisms may be considered as genetic markers for these families. The allele of polymorphism C7064A presented the frequency of 59% in the family B and segregated with mutating L338P, causing the disease in this family. The allele of polymorphism C7064A presented the frequency of 59% in the family B and segregated with mutation L338P, causing the disease in this family. The genotypic and allelic distribution polymorphisms C2377A, A2478G and T1500C varied in groups disabled and non enzymatic disabled, so that these polymorphisms contributed to the phenotype reduction in the enzymatic activity. The distribution of polymorphisms found in families with a history of the disease, did not contribute to explain the overlap of enzyme activity in carriers and not disease carriers

Deficient mannose-binding lectin-mediated complement activation despite mannose-binding lectin–sufficient genotypes in an outbreak of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia

Polymorphisms leading to deficiency of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) are associated with predisposition to infection. However, MBL deficiency can be protective against intracellular pathogens that use MBL to enter host cells. The role of MBL genotype and activity in infection with the intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila was studied in a large outbreak of legionellosis at a Dutch flower show. A total of 141 patients, 65 exposed asymptomatic exhibition staff members and 670 unexposed blood bank donors were included for the study of MBL2 genotypes and MBL-mediated complement activation. Genotypic MBL deficiency was equally prevalent in patients and controls. Deficient MBL-mediated complement activation was more prevalent in patients. Even in patients with genotypes that confer MBL sufficiency, 20.6% lacked MBL-mediated complement activation. In most patients with MBL-sufficient genotypes who lacked MBL-mediated activation at the acute phase of disease, lectin pathway functionality was restored at convalescence. In conclusion, genotypic MBL deficiency was not a risk factor for legionellosis. However, patients with legionellosis displayed deficient MBL-mediated complement activation even with MBL-sufficient genotypes. Together, these genotypical and functional data suggest that the observed deficiency of lectin pathway activation is an effect of legionellosis rather than a risk factor for acquiring it.

Reference Intervals in Healthy Adult Ugandan Blood Donors and Their Impact on Conducting International Vaccine Trials

BackgroundClinical trials are increasingly being conducted internationally. In order to ensure enrollment of healthy participants and proper safety evaluation of vaccine candidates, established reference intervals for clinical tests are required in the target population.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe report a reference range study conducted in Ugandan adult blood bank donors establishing reference intervals for hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. Several differences were observed when compared to previously established values from the United States, most notably in neutrophils and eosinophils.Conclusions/SignificanceIn a recently conducted vaccine trial in Uganda, 31 percent (n = 69) of volunteers screened (n = 223) were excluded due to hematologic abnormalities. If local reference ranges had been employed, 83% of those screened out due to these abnormalities could have been included in the study, drastically reducing workload and cost associated with the screening process. In addition, toxicity tables used in vaccine and drug trial safety evaluations may need adjustment as some clinical reference ranges determined in this study overlap with grade 1 and grade 2 adverse events.

Seroprevalence of PF4/Heparin Antibodies among Blood Bank Donors

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is classically viewed as a drug-induced immune disorder triggered by exposure to the anticoagulant drug, heparin. However, HIT may also be considered a dysregulated autoimmune response to two naturally occurring substances, Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), a platelet protein, and heparin, a tissuederived glycosaminoglycan. Until recently, studies of HIT and PF4/heparin antibody seroconversion have been exclusively focused on patients exposed to heparin or heparinlike drugs, including low-molecular weight heparin, the heparinoids and the synthetic agent, fondaparinux. Recent reports, however, indicate that PF4/heparin antibodies may arise spontaneously in some individuals in the absence of heparin (Warkentin Am J Med 2008; Hursting J Thromb Thrombolysis, 2008). We undertook this study to document the seroprevalance of “naturally-occurring” PF4/heparin antibodies in healthy subjects without prior heparin exposure. To study “healthy” subjects, we used blood bank donors as a surrogate population. Samples from blood bank units were obtained through Duke Transfusion services/American Red Cross (ARC). Donors met eligibility criteria for blood donation to the ARC and generally, represent a healthy population (http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html#hem). A Duke IRB waiver was issued due to use of anonymous samples. Plasma from donor units/segments were assayed in duplicate for the presence of PF4/heparin antibodies using a commercially available PF4/heparin ELISA (PF4 enhanced IgG,A,M kits, Genetics Technology Institute, Waukesha, WY). Positivity was defined by the manufacturer as A405nm ≥0.4. Positive samples were stratified into low, (A405nm=0.4–0.6), intermediate (A405nm=0.61–0.99) or high-positive values (A405nm≥1.0). High and intermediate positive samples were further isotyped using IgG and IgM specific antibodies (Sigma, St. Louis, MO). Of the 970 blood bank donors tested to date, 31 samples (3.2%) were positive using the manufacturer's cut-off value. Repeat testing confirmed positivity in all 31 samples. Of those testing positive, 26 were low-positive (2.3% of overall cohort; 84% of all positive samples), 1 sample was intermediate positive (0.1% of overall cohort; 3.2% of positive samples) and 5 samples were high-positive (0.5% overall cohort; 16% of positive samples). Isotyping of 6 high/intermediate positive samples revealed IgG in 3 patients, IgM in the remainder. There was no correlation between antibody positivity and ABO blood type. In summary, our data reveals a high prevalence of PF4/heparin antibodies, the majority of which are low-positive values (~84%). Many of these low-positive samples likely reflect background “noise” of the assay and could be eliminated using a higher cut-off for positivity. We also found a seroprevalance of 0.5% of high positive antibodies, of IgG and IgM isotype, supporting the notion that some individuals may have “naturally-occuring”

Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) in risk of type 2 diabetes: Association study in 2000 Dutch Caucasians

Type 2 diabetes shares substantial genetic and phenotypic overlap with familial combined hyperlipidemia. Upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1), a well-established susceptibility gene for familial combined hyperlipidemia, is postulated to be such a shared genetic determinant. We evaluated two established variants in familial combined hyperlipidemia (rs2073658 and rs3737787) for association with type 2 diabetes in two Dutch case-control samples (N=2011). The first case-control sample comprised 501 subjects with type 2 diabetes from the Breda cohort and 920 healthy blood bank donors of Dutch Caucasian origin. The second case-control sample included 211 subjects with type 2 diabetes, and 379 normoglycemic controls. SNP rs2073658 and SNP rs3737787 were in perfect linkage disequilibrium. In the first case-control sample, prevalence of the major allele was higher in patients than in controls (75% versus 71%, OR=1.25, p=0.018). A similar effect-size and -direction was observed in the second case-control sample (76% versus 72%, OR=1.22, p=0.16). A combined analysis strengthened the evidence for association (OR=1.23, p=0.006). Notably, the increased risk for type 2 diabetes could be ascribed to the major allele, and its high frequency translated to a substantial population attributable risk of 14.5%.In conclusion, the major allele of rs2073658 in the USF1 gene is associated with a modestly increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes in Dutch Caucasians, with considerable impact at the population level.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Blood Donors in Sulaimani Major Blood Bank for the Years 2006 and 2007: A Comparative Study

Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viral infections are a serious global public health&#x0D; problem. The objective of this study was to verify the trend of HBV and HCV infections among blood&#x0D; donors in Major Blood Bank of Sulaimani in the years 2006 and 2007. Patients and Methods: The study&#x0D; analyzed the data of blood donors in Sulaimani city who donated blood at Major Blood Bank of&#x0D; Sulaimani during the year 2006 and their correspondence in 2007. HBsAg status was determined by&#x0D; using BIOELISA HBsAg TEST KIT and antibodies to HCV using BIOELISA Anti-HCV TEST KIT.&#x0D; Samples repeatedly reactive for HBsAg or anti-HCV were considered positive for HBV or HCV infection&#x0D; respectively. We set up a hypothesis that to be tested using Chi-Square test at 95% confidence level and&#x0D; degree of freedom equal to one. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HBV infection among donors was&#x0D; 0.48% in 2006 and changed significantly in the next year to 0.25%, (P&lt;0.05). The overall seroprevalence&#x0D; of HCV among donors was 0.11% and did not changed significantly in the next year, (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Significant decrease in HBsAg seroprevalence was particularly seen in non–first time donors in 2007, (p&#x0D; &lt; 0.05). All female donors were negative for HBV and HCV in both years. Conclusion: There are low&#x0D; rates of both HBV and HCV infections among blood donors in 2006 and 2007, HCV is less&#x0D; seroprevalence than HBV, and the decreased rate of HBV infection in 2007 than in 2006 indicates good&#x0D; control of known risk factors. Also, factors that led to zero% of infection among female donors should be&#x0D; clarified and followed.

Long‐term stabilized blood samples as controls for flow cytometric HLA‐B27 screening: A feasibility study

Long-term stabilized blood samples are potentially useful as positive or negative procedure controls for flow cytometric HLA-B27 screening, and could serve as test samples in an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme. We evaluated long-term stabilized whole blood specimens as prepared for the UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping EQA scheme (Sheffield, UK). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from nine blood bank donors with known HLA-B typing. Short-term stabilization with Trans-FIXtrade mark was performed before shipment to Sheffield. Thereafter, long-term stabilization was performed. Commercially available HLA-B27 mAb were tested periodically between 1 week and 12 months on (i) fresh, (ii) short-term stabilized, and (iii) long-term stabilized blood samples using a stain, lyse, and wash technique. We compared the forward scatter (FSC), sideward scatter (SSC), and fluorescence signals of lymphocytes as a function of time. Furthermore, a pilot send-out with stabilized blood samples of four blood bank donors was distributed among the participants to the Benelux EQA scheme for HLA-B27 screening, and results were compared with historical EQA data obtained using nonstabilized blood samples from the same donors. There were no major effects on FSC and SSC characteristics of lymphocytes. Background fluorescence of stabilized samples increased and specific fluorescence of stabilized HLA-B27 positive samples decreased as compared with fresh samples. However, discrimination between the investigated HLA-B27 positive and HLA-B27 negative samples remained feasible poststabilization. In the pilot send-out, the results obtained with stabilized samples were less concordant than with the corresponding fresh samples due to variable quality of the stabilized samples. Long-term stabilized whole blood samples are potentially useful as true HLA-B27 positive and true HLA-B27 negative control cells for daily and longitudinal quality control of flow cytometric HLA-B27 screening. In the same way, long-term stabilized samples may be used for EQA purposes. However, these samples are currently not feasible for reagent validation purposes. Extensive quality control of long-term stabilized samples is necessary before distribution in multicenter surveys.

The IL23R Arg381Gln non-synonymous polymorphism confers susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis

Objectives:Recent results have shown that the IL23R gene, coding for a subunit of the interleukin-23 receptor, is strongly associated with autoimmunity. The aim of the current study was to investigate,...

Serologic and Molecular Profile of Anti-HBc-Positive Blood Bank Donors in an Area of Low Endemicity for HBV

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leaves serological markers that indicate prior contact with the virus or an occult infection. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of HBV markers of individuals from a region of low HBV endemicity excluded from blood donation due to the presence of total anti-HBc antibodies but who tested negative for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). The profile of 244 subjects exclusively anti-total hepatitis B core (anti-total HBc) reactive was determined. Markers such as anti-HBsAg, HBeAg (HBV core antigen) and anti-HBe (antibody to hepatitis Be antigen) were determined, and HB viral DNA (HBV-DNA) was identified by PCR analysis. Overall, 85.7% of the subjects had an anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antigen antibody) titer higher than 10 IU/L; 154 samples were negative for HBeAg and 66.5% were reactive for anti-HBe. All samples were negative for HBV-DNA (n = 241). We found a significant association between the anti-HBe and anti-HBs titers (P = 0.026). Most individuals from a low endemic area for HBV have shown anti-HBs titers that confer immunity against HBV, even though they were negative for HBV-DNA. In the light of a shortage of donated blood worldwide, we suggest that special measures should be considered that would facilitate the possible use of these rejected blood units in areas of low endemicity for HBV.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G4G genotype is associated with myocardial infarction but not with stable coronary artery disease

A case control study was conducted to test the hypothesis that plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G gene polymorphism confers an increased risk for myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with known coronary atherosclerosis. One hundred fifty-six consecutive patients who presented with acute MI and 111 stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) patients with documented critical coronary artery stenoses were prospectively enrolled. PAI-1 4G/5G gene polymorphism and conventional atherosclerotic risk factors were studied in all patients. PAI-1 4G/5G gene polymorphism was studied in another 281 healthy blood bank donors. The frequency 4G4G genotype was significantly higher in the MI group as compared to SCAD group (32.7% vs. 15.3%, P = 0.001) while it was not statistically significant between MI and healthy control groups (32.7% vs. 26.0%, P = 0.136). Comparing with healthy controls SCAD group had significantly lower frequency of 4G4G genotype (P = 0.024). In comparison with SCAD group PAI-1 4G/4G genotype, male sex and smoking habits favored to MI in univariate analysis with a P value of less than 0.2. These variables were included in multivariate regression model to estimate the associated risk for MI. PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was the only independent variable (OR 2.67, 95%CI 1.43-4.96, P = 0.002) associated with MI in this regression model. Comparing with healthy control group 4G4G genotype was not associated with MI (OR 1.38, 95%CI 0.90-2.12). However, presence of 4G4G genotype had a protective effect against development of SCAD (OR 0.52, 96%CI 0.29-0.92). Compared to patients with critical coronary stenoses, PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was found to be an independent predictor for development of MI in this population. PAI-1 4G4G genotype have a protective effect against development of high grade stable coronary stenoses.