Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections among blood donors of Central Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) & Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are transfusion transmissible infections. Observation of the trend in seroprevalence is useful to plan preventive measures. Aims & Objective: To study trend of seroprevalence of HBV & HCV infections among blood donors with respect to type of the donor, age, sex and blood group of the donor. Material and Methods: A study was conducted from January 2005 to December 2009 at the blood bank of tertiary care Medical College Hospital, serving people of Central Karnataka. Blood units collected from eligible blood donors were subjected to ELISA for screening for hepatitis B surface antigen and IgG antibodies to Hepatitis C virus. Prevalence of HBV and HCV infections was noted using SPSS version 13 statistical package in relation to type of donor, age, sex and blood group of donor. Significance of the trend was determined by chi square test. Results: A total of 19,413 blood donors were screened, the seroprevalence of HBV & HCV infection was 2.12% & 0.1% respectively. HBV infection was more prevalent among replacement donors. Decrease in seroprevalence of HBV & HCV infections was noted from 2005 to 2009. Conclusion: To reduce the prevalence of post-transfusion hepatitis, stringent donor screening procedure and 100% voluntary blood donations may be effective. Routine screening for HBV & HCV in blood banks should be performed using more sensitive methods.