Prevalence Of Antibodies To Hepatitis C Virus In Blood Donors In Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria; In Association With Blood Groups

Abstract

Background: In spite of the fact that Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), nonHodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC); testing for antibodies to HCV is not yet mandatory in Nnewi, and most other centres in Nigeria. This work was done to determine the prevalence of antibodies to HCV among blood donors and assess if there is any association with the donor blood group, sex and age.Materials and methods: Data from 1229 blood donors who presented to the blood bank of the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital between 2005 and 2009 were retrospectively studied. Donor blood was tested for antibody to HCV using rapid immunoassay that quantitatively detects this antibody using recombinant HCV antigen. ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined using monoclonal antibodies according to standard protocol.Result: The prevalence of HCV antibodies was found to be 2.0%. The age group 21-30 years was found to be the lowest risk group (1.4% seroprevalence). Seroprevalence increased after the age of 30 years, though not linearly, with the highest rate (3.2%) recorded in the 31-40 years and 51-70 years age groupsAmong the blood groups, O Rh D positive had the highest number of donors and a seroprevalence of 2.4%; compared to A Rh D positive (1.3%), A Rh D negative (9.1%), and O Rh D negative (9.1%). Other blood groups did not have any case of HCV seropositivity. No significant correlation was found between HCV antibody status and blood group, age or gender. Gender however was found to be significantly correlated with age (p<.05)Conclusion: The Prevalence of HCV antibodies in blood donors in Nnewi, Nigeria is moderate; age and gender of donors seem to be important factors affecting it. Screening of all blood donors should be made mandatory in order to prevent the transfer of hepatitis C infection by blood transfusion.