Seroprevalence of Australia antigen (HbsAg) among blood donors in local population

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes silent killer disease of the liver with many carriers not aware of their clinical status, therefore, they act as potential source of infection to others. HBV is highly infectious and can be transmitted by both percutaneous routes and by blood transfusion. Laboratory diagnosis of HBV infection is made by detecting Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), the earliest serological marker of active HBV infection (acute as well as chronic). Objectives: To determine the Seroprevalence of HBsAg among blood donors in and around Valsad district (Gujarat) and to compare it with that of other regions in India. Methods: The study was conducted on apparently healthy blood donors over a period of 3 years from January-2016 to December-2018 at Blood Bank, Department of Pathology, GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Valsad in order to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection. A total number of 4947 blood donors were included in this study. Both rapid HBsAg card test and HBsAg ELISA test were used for this study purpose. Result: Out of 4947 donors,4551 (91.99%) were males & 396(8.00%) were females. Out of blood units, 222(4.48%)were discarded and out of them 55(1.11%) were HBsAg reactive. The Seroprevalence of HBsAg was found to be 1.11%. Conclusion: Blood Donors are often found to be reactive for hepatitis B surface antigen and others. In order to reduce this Seroprevalence, more sensitive screening assays and appropriate donor selection are must.