Molecular characterization of a new D- - haplotype in a Comorian man.

The D- - phenotype is a genetic variant of the Rh blood group system. It expresses D antigen but lacks C, c, E and e antigens. In D- - phenotype, the RHCE coding region is extensively modified by RHD sequence replacement, nucleotide deletion or splice-site changes.

Positive association of DRB1 04 and DRB1 15 alleles with Fya immunization in a Southern European population.

Background: Anti-Fy(a) has been implicated in hemolytic transfusion reactions. However, not all Fy(a-) patients develop anti-Fy(a) after transfusion with 1 unit of blood [Fy(a+)]. This study was designed to identify HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with a predisposition to Fy(a) immunization after blood transfusion.

A new HCV core antigen assay based on disassociation of immune complexes: an alternative to molecular biology in the diagnosis of early HCV infection.

Background: An EIA based on immune complex disassociation of nucleocapsid proteins of HCV has been developed to detect and quantify HCV core antigen.

Study Design And Methods: To evaluate whether this new assay (trak-C, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics) could be an alternative to NAT during the window period, its sensitivity in this context was assessed, and its performance was compared with that of a first-generation HCV core antigen assay dedicated to the blood screening (HCV core antigen ELISA). Studied populations included nine HCV RNA-positive, HCV antibody-negative blood donors and 23 hemodialysis patients who underwent an HCV seroconversion.

Molecular analysis of HCV type 1 to 5 envelope gene: application to investigations of posttransfusion transmission of HCV.

Background: Until 1990, HCV infection was common in transfused patients, resulting in more than 200,000 cases of posttransfusion hepatitis C in France alone. A molecular method that permits the investigation of posttransfusion hepatitis C infections is presented.

Study Design And Methods: Viral sequences in the envelope region of HCV were obtained for 12 pairs of blood recipients and their respective blood donors.

Prevalence of GB virus type C/hepatitis G virus RNA and anti-E2 among blood donors in Southeastern France.

Background: The purpose of the study was to analyze serologic and molecular markers of the GB virus type C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) infection in voluntary blood donors from Southeastern France.

Study Design And Methods: Sera were tested for the presence of GBV-C/HGV RNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and that of antibodies to the GBV-C/HGV E2 (anti-E2) antigen by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A first cohort (1660 blood donors) was tested prospectively and a second cohort (238 samples with hepatitis markers) was tested retrospectively.