Prevalence of anti HCV, HBsAg and HIV antibodies in high risk recipients of blood and blood products.

Along with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is emerging as a major transfusion hazard. 22 cases of haemophilia (A 19, B 3) and 20 cases of thalassaemia (2 16, E(2) 4) constituted the study group. Patients tested for anti HCV (using third generation ELISA), HBsAg and antibodies to HIV I and II. Prevalence of anti HCV was 54.5% in haemophilics and 5% in thalassaemics. HBsAg was detected in 9.09% haemophilics and 5% thalassaemics. No anti HIV was detected in this cohort. Anti HCV seropositivity in haemophilics has increased compare to previous studies.