Abstract
IntroductionTransfusion-transmissible infectious microorganisms including bacteria and viruses are among the greatest threats to blood safety for the recipient. The prevalence and risk factors of HTLV-1/2 and other blood borne infectious diseases were determined among blood donors in Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon.MethodsDesign: cross sectional study. Setting: The blood bank unit of Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon. Subjects: a consecutive sample of 265 apparently healthy adult blood donors. Investigations: Search for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (AgHBs) and antibodies to human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (anti-HTLV-1/2), human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV), hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and syphilis and to determine the epidemiological correlates, if any, in the occurrence of HTLV infection.Results77 (29.05%) of the blood donors had serological evidence of infection with at least one pathogen and 4 (5.2%) had dual infections with HTLV-1/2. The overall prevalence of HTLV-1/2, HIV, HCV, HBV and syphilis were 5.7%, 5.3%, 2.6%, 11.7%, 3.8% respectively. Surgical history (Chi2=4.785; P=0.029), scarification (Chi2=6.359; P = 0.012), piercing (Chi2 = 16.353; P = 0.000) and intravenous drug use (Chi2 = 15.660; P = 0.000) were identified as risk factors for HTLV-1/2 infection.ConclusionA relative high prevalence of viral infections and syphilis was recorded among the study participants especially for HTLV-1/2 for which none blood donation is routine screened in our set up. Therefore, a routine screen of blood prior to transfusion should include anti-HTLV-1/2 tests.
Highlights
Transfusion-transmissible infectious microorganisms including bacteria and viruses are among the greatest threats to blood safety for the recipient
We observed that individuals with surgical history, scarification, piercing and who used intravenous drug are at higher risk for HTLV-1/2 infection
The data reveal that individuals with surgical history, scarification, piercing and who used intravenous drug are at higher risk for HTLV-1/2 infection
Summary
Transfusion-transmissible infectious microorganisms including bacteria and viruses are among the greatest threats to blood safety for the recipient. Conclusion: A relative high prevalence of viral infections and syphilis was recorded among the study participants especially for HTLV-1/2 for which none blood donation is routine screened in our set up. Data on blood donors screening have revealed a high prevalence for the presence of viral and bacterial markers indicative of HBV, HIV, HCV and syphilis infections [5]. Those infections have been reported to be prevalent in Cameroon [6] and the screening of blood donors for HB surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV, HIV and syphilis antibodies is a routine practice in the blood banks [7]
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