HAV golestan2018.pdf

Background: HepatitisAis a virus with linearandpositive strand RNA. AsHAVhasnoenvelope, it ismoreresistant to environmentalstress than other hepatitis viruses, and it can be transmitted by water and food. HAV infection is acquired commonly by the fecaloralroute and in adults, it can leave very serious complications, including fulminate hepatitis. The virus is infectious for one to twoweeks in the bloodstream beforesymptomsappear. In the acute phase of the disease,whenthe virus is presented in the bloodstream,it is possible to transfer via blood transfusion and plasma products.Objectives: This study was designed to determine the frequency of antibodies againstHAVandthe acute phase of the diseaseamongblood donors in Golestan province in the northeast of Iran.Methods: Sera of 400 blood donors in Golestan province who were negative for anti-HIV, HBs Ag, and anti-HCV were tested for thetotal anti-HAV antibody, anti-HAV IgM, and HAV-RNA. Total antibodies (IgG+IgM) and IgM were determined by the ELISA methodusing commercial kits. HAV-RNA was detected by nested RT-PCR.Results: Overall, 91% of the analyzed specimens were anti-HAV seropositive and all blood donors were negative for anti-HAV IgM.HAV-RNA was not found in any serum samples.Conclusions: The prevalence of HAV was high among blood donors in Golestan province and due to high anti-HAV seroprevalencerates, the blood donors are safe in terms of virus transfe