Incidence of transfusion associated B and non-A, non-B hepatitis in Italy

Abstract

Screening of donated blood for hepatitis B surface antigen and for serum alanine aminotransferase concerntration has been performed in Italy since the early 1970s. Screening for other surrogate markers, such as antilbody to hepatitis B core antigen has never been done. Screening for antibodies to hepatitis C virus was routinely done in a few blood banks since 1990; it became compulsory in 1991. Second generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was introduced in 1992 in all blood banks. Using data from the surveillance system for acute viral hepatitis (SEIEVA), we have evaluated the incidence of transfusion associated B and non-A, non-B hepatitis in Italy from 1987 to 1993. ### and results SEIEVA, which is coordinated by the Istituto Superiore di Sanita in collaboration with health districts, started in 1985.1 From 1985 to 1993 the number of health districts participating in …