Prevalence of malaria among blood donors in blood bank, Jhalawar Hospital & Medical College Society, Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Abstract

Introduction: Transfusion Transmitted Malaria (TTM) is the great concern in endemic countries. Transmission of malaria by blood transfusion was one of the first recorded incidents of transfusion transmitted infection. The drugs and cosmetic act in India mandates the testing of all blood donations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), hepatitis C virus(HCV), malaria and syphilis. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of malarial among voluntary and replace­ment blood donors in Blood Bank, Jhalawar Hospital & Medical college society, Jhalawar, Rajasthan. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of donors record covering the period between Jan 2017 to Dec 2017 at Blood Bank, Jhalawar Hospital & Medical college society, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, India. The blood samples were then obtained by standard procedures of venepuncture. Malarial parasites were screened by microscopy (peripheral blood smear) and rapid Antigen card detection in blood bank. The study detected the presence of malaria parasites in donated blood units. Results: 5 out of 16495 donor population were positive(Prevalence 0.03%) on Immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test for malarial antigen detection (Rapid Antigen Card Test). Conclusion: Blood donors in Blood Bank, Jhalawar Hospital & Medical college society, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, India have a 0.03% prevalence and voluntary donations are safer as compared to replacement donation. By strict donor selection, proper donor testing and post testing counselling,the rate of TTM can be further minimized.