Prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus among blood donors in Lebanon, 1997-2000.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in many individuals is asymptomatic and the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among blood donors in Lebanon is scarce. This study aimed to address the prevalence of anti-HCV in 8700 blood donors, the data obtained was compared to other world regions. Between 1997 and 2000, 8700 blood donors were screened for the presence of anti-HCV in their sera. Initially reactive specimens were retested in duplicate, and repeatedly positive samples were subsequently retested by a third generation microplate enzyme immunoassay. Of the 8700 blood donors screened, 51 were confirmed positive for anti-HCV, giving a prevalence rate of 0.6%. While there was no difference in anti-HCV prevalence in relation to age or gender, higher rates were seen in non-Lebanese compared to Lebanese subjects (6.17% vs. 0.48%, P < 0.001). None of the anti-HCV positive individuals had an identifiable risk factor for contracting HCV (intravenous drug user, prior transfusion, etc.), and their transaminases were comparable to anti-HCV-negative donors, suggesting that HCV-positive donors were asymptomatic. These results demonstrate low prevalence of anti-HCV among Lebanese blood donors, which was comparable to those established for Western countries.