Prevalence of Plasmodia and hepatitis B virus co-infection in blood donors at Bishop Murray Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of co-infection of hepatitis B and Plasmodia among potential blood donors in Benue State, and Nigeria at large and offer suggestions and containment methods. Methods Three hundred and thirty seven (337) potential blood donors, comprising 229(67.95%) Males and 108(32.05%) Females were screened for co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Plasmodia between the months of July and December, 2009 using standard laboratory methods. Results An overall co-infection rate of 137(40.67%) was observed among the donors. The month of December showed highest co-infection rates 59(17.51%). Highest rates of infection was observed in males at 129(38.30%) to 8(2.37%) in females. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in infection rates between males and females ( P<0.05). The more youthful age groups 18-22, 23-27 and 28-32 had higher prevalence of infection at 11.90%, 13.05% and 6.53%, respectively. Irrespective of age group, males showed higher rates of infections than females in corresponding age groups. Conclusions The high rates of co-infection imply that these infections are threats the health of citizens and should be adequately addressed by adoption of strategies to combat and control them. Further, blood should be rigorously screened before transfusion to safeguard the health of recipients.