Occult hepatitis B infections and anti‐HBc prevalence at a resource‐limited blood bank in Mexico

Summary Objectives To identify blood donors with occult hepatitis B infections (OBIs), determine the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) positivity and estimate the impact of anti‐HBc screening on donor deferral at CETS‐Veracruz (Mexico). Background Hepatitis B virus infection is a major concern in transfusion medicine. Mexican regulations only mandate screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and there are no requirements regarding testing for anti‐HBc or use of a nucleic acid test (NAT). There is, therefore, limited information about the prevalence of anti‐HBc positivity and occult hepatitis B among blood donors in Mexico. Methods This retrospective study examined individuals who donated blood to CETS‐Veracruz from June 2014 to June 2017. All donors were serologically examined according to Mexican health regulations, and the prevalence of anti‐HBc positivity was determined. A NAT was used to identify individuals with OBIs. Results We analysed the data of 28 016 blood donors. Over 4 years, the average prevalence of anti‐HBc positivity was 1.05%. The risk factors for anti‐HBc positivity were low education and age over 50 years. There were nine donors with OBIs. Conclusion The presence of donors with OBIs in CETS‐Veracruz and other Mexican blood banks highlights the need to mandate the implementation of anti‐HBc screening in Mexico.