Transfusion transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis

Abstract

Non-A, non-B of hepatitis (NANBH) may occur following blood transfusions or administration of blood products. The causative agent(s) is still not identified and the symptoms are usually mild. The only indication of infection may be increased serum alanine transferase levels. The incidence of posttransfusion NANBH has been reported as high as 4-12% in the US (average 7%) while in Sweden it is according to recent studies on the average 2%. An estimated 2-3% of Swedish blood donors are probably carriers of the NANBH agent(s). Of patients acquiring posttransfusion NANBH, 40-60% will develop chronic hepatitis which in 15-20% will progrediate to cirrhosis.