Abstract
BackgroundTransfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) pose a significant challenge for the availability and safety of blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for TTIs among blood donors in North Shewa zone, central North Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective survey of blood donors’ medical records was conducted from April 2014 to June 2017 to assess the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis infections. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, median and interquartile range were used to summarize the data.ResultsOut of 8460 donations, 207 (2.4%, 95% CI 2.06–2.71%) had serological evidence of infection with at least one pathogen. Four of the blood donors (0.047%) had co-infection with more than one pathogen; 2HIV/HBV and 2HIV/syphilis. The overall prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis among the donors were 1.2% (95% CI 0.98–1.45%), 0.32% (95% CI 0.2–0.44%), 0.25% (95% CI 0.14–0.35%), and 0.71% (95% CI 0.53–0.89%) respectively. Male sex was significantly associated with higher risk of HBV (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.1–2.8) and syphilis sero-reactivity (OR 4.5, 95% CI1.9–10.5). Farmers and older donors were found to be at a higher risk for syphilis seropositivity.ConclusionThe prevalence of TTIs among blood donors in North Shewa zone was relatively low compared to those of other geographic places in Ethiopia. However, TTIs remain a concern for the availability and safety of blood transfusion as they are still prevalent in the study area. Therefore, more efforts are required to ensure the safety of blood supply and transfusions.
Highlights
Blood transfusion is an essential part of any strong health system and saves millions of lives worldwide each year [1]
The overall prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis among the donors were 1.2%, 0.32%, 0.25%, and 0.71% respectively
Male sex was significantly associated with higher risk of HBV and syphilis sero-reactivity
Summary
Blood transfusion is an essential part of any strong health system and saves millions of lives worldwide each year [1]. It is a potential source for transmission of several lifethreatening pathogens. The risk for acquiring transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) in blood donation has been significantly reduced in developed countries [1,2,3,4]. There are still high risks of TTIs in resource-limited settings such as sub-Sahara Africa due to inadequacies of screening facilities and qualified personnel [3, 4]. For example, blood transfusion has been accounted for 5–10% of HIV infections and 4–12.5% posttransfusion hepatitis in sub-Saharan Africa [5]. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for TTIs among blood donors in North Shewa zone, central North Ethiopia
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