Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Blood Donors in Thailand: A Multicenter Case-Control Study
Tawesak Tanwandee MD*, Teerha Piratvisuth MD**, Kannilka Phornphutkul MD***, Pisaln Mairiang MD****, Parichart Permpikul MD*****, Yong Poovorawan MD******
Affiliation : * Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University ** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla *** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai **** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University ***** Department of Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University ****** Center of Excellence in Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and Hospital
Objective : To investigate the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in healthy blood donors in Thailand
Materials and Methods : We performed a case-control study of 435 HCV-seropositive blood donors and 894
HCV-seronegative blood donors as controls. The study was done with direct interview regarding demo-
graphic characteristics and risk factors. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (Cls) were calcu-
lated by using conditional logistic regression.
Results : The final multivariable model included only the following independent HCV risk factors: intravenous
drug user (IDU) (OR = 61.5; 95%CI, 26.6-142.5), previous blood or blood products transfusion (OR = 12.3;
95%CI, 7.6 -19.9), sharing of razors (OR = 2.3, 95%CI, 1.6-3.2),unsafe injection (OR = 3.3, 95%CI, 1.8-5.9),
unused condom (OR = 1.6; 95%CI, 1.1, 2.4). No risk was shown for a history of tattoo, ear piercing, or
acupuncture and multiple sexual partners.
Conclusion : The risk factors for HCV infection in healthy blood donors in Thailand are IDU, past history of
blood transfusion and unsafe injection.
Keywords : Hepatitis C virus, Blood donor, Blood transfusion, Intravenous drug user
