Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses in healthy Indonesian blood donors

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1995 Mar-Apr;89(2):167-70. doi: 10.1016/0035-9203(95)90480-8.

Abstract

Blood samples were collected from 7572 healthy volunteer blood donors from 21 of the 27 Indonesian provinces, and tested for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) using the new second-generation enzyme immunosorbent assay, and also tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We detected anti-HCV in 2.1% of the blood donors. No statistically significant difference was found between males and females or between locations, but there was a statistically significant increasing likelihood of anti-HCV prevalence with increasing age. HBsAg was found in 8.8% of the 3839 tested donors. There was no statistically significant difference between sexes or age groups, but there was a statistically significant higher prevalence in the islands of Sulawesi and eastern Indonesia. Only 7 individuals, from 5 locations, were both anti-HCV and HBsAg positive. Based on responses to a questionnaire, a history of surgery, blood transfusion, intravenous medication, and acupuncture were identified as risk factors for the presence of anti-HCV. No such risk factor was identified for HBsAg prevalence. The combined data suggest separate modes of transmission for the 2 viruses, and indicate the need for continued surveillance for these agents in Indonesian blood banks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Blood Donors*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis*
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies
  • Humans
  • Indonesia / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Density
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies