Hepatitis B core antibodies in Danish blood donors: a surrogate marker of risk behaviour

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Abstract
Background and Objectives The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) among Danish blood donors and to correlate this with risk factors for blood‐borne and sexually transmitted diseases. Materials and Methods During a 5‐month period, 10 862 consecutive donors in the County of Funen were screened for anti‐HBc, and repeat‐reactive samples were confirmed by supplementary testing. Information on risk factors was assessed by questionnaire in 585 consecutive anti‐HBc‐negative blood donors and compared with information obtained from confirmed positive donors. Results The prevalence of confirmed positive anti‐HBc among donors was 0·70% (76/10 862, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·55–0·87). One donor was positive for anti‐HBc immunoglobulin M (IgM); none tested positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. In a logistic regression analysis, age, female gender, tattoos and commercial sexual relations, were independent predictive factors for the presence of anti‐HBc. Conclusion Anti‐HBc is a surrogate marker for previous risk behaviour in the Danish blood donor population. We suggest that screening for anti‐HBc may be used among new donors to supplement interviews on risk behaviour.

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