A 66‐year‐old, hepatitis B virus (HBV) unvaccinated male blood donor exhibited repeatedly reactive multiplex nucleic acid test (NAT) results for human immunodeficiency virus type 1, hepatitis C virus and HBV, and non‐reactive discriminatory HBV NAT and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) results. Twenty‐eight previous donations since 2010 were HBV NAT non‐reactive. Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) results were repeatedly reactive and HBsAg antibody (anti‐HBs) results were also reactive, while e‐antigen (HBeAg), HBeAg antibodies (anti‐HBe) and anti‐HBc IgM were non‐reactive. National Reference Laboratory (NRL) HBV NAT results were reactive. These results were consistent with occult HBV infection (OBI). The donor, his parents, and his partner were born in Taiwan.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
Patient consent
The patients gave written consent for publication.
Australian governments fund Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to provide blood, blood products and services to the Australian community.
No relevant disclosures.