Seroprevalence of HAV and Mandatory Markers of Transfusion- Transmitted Infections in Blood Donors from Chiapas, Mexico: an Exploratory Study

Abstract

Introduction: Blood transfusion saves millions of lives annually. However, blood transfusion is one of the leading risk factors for Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (TTIs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the seroprevalence of both HAV and mandatory markers of TTIs in blood donors from Chiapas, Mexico. Materials and Methods: The study included 3,067 blood donors from the Dr. Domingo Chanona Rodríguez Blood Bank located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, and from 9 collection centers located in different regions of Chiapas. Screening was performed using Enzyme immunoassay (anti-HAV IgM) or Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (HBV HBsAg, anti-HCV IgG/IgM, HIV Ag/Ab, anti-T. pallidum IgG/IgM, and anti-T. cruzi IgG). Results: The seroprevalence of T. pallidum was the highest at 1.3%, followed by the seroprevalence of HAV and T. cruzi, both with 0.7%. Regions X and XV of the state of Chiapas presented the six markers of the analyzed TTIs. Blood donors at risk of being TTI reactive donated in regions IX and X. However, donors with qualified and unqualified employment and those who have donated more than 2 times are considered protective factors against TTIs. Conclusion: We observed a high seroprevalence of HAV in this exploratory study. It is indispensable to increase the sample size of blood donors from the state of Chiapas because HAV is endemic to Mexico and it is probably transmitted through blood transfusion. Also, it is necessary to augment voluntary non-remunerated blood donations in the state of Chiapas, mainly in the Southern border regions, to decrease the risk of TTIs.