[Prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV infections among severe Polish haemophiliacs].

UNLABELLED: In the past, haemophilia replacement therapy was based on fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and blood transfusions--i.e. preparates not subjected to any viral inactivation methods. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV infections among Polish haemophiliacs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Severe haemophilia patients were divided into two age groups according to the type of replacement therapy used in the past: group 1--172 patients born 1935-1990, group 2--41 patients born 1991-2002. The following viral markers were tested: anti-HCV, RNA HCV (if needed--virus genotype), HBsAg and anti-HIV. In 75 patients / group 1 and 41 / group 2, anti-HBc presence was determined.

RESULTS: In group 1, 95% of patients were anti-HCV positive and in 77.3% RNA HCV was detected. The most prevalent was lb genotype (58.6%) followed by 3a (27%). HBsAg was found in 8.7% cases of group 1. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 51 of 75 (68%) patients of this group. One patient was anti-HIV positive. In only one patient of group 2 (2.4%) viral markers were detected (anti-HCV and RNA HCV).

CONCLUSION: Nowadays, the risk of HCV, HBV and HIV infection in Polish severe haemophiliacs is very low.