Seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors at a Tertiary Care Hospital Blood Bank in North India

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion service is a sensitive issue as it is covered by “Drug and Cosmetics Act” and has legal implications. Strict criteria are followed while selecting a donor so that proper blood free of all pathogens is available for recipient. Aim: To study seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted major infections (HIV, hepatitis B virus [HBV], hepatitis C virus [HCV], syphilis, and malaria) among blood donors at a Tertiary Care Government Hospital Blood Bank in North India and to compare positivity of markers of these infections in voluntary and replacement donors. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 5 years (July 2010–June 2015). A total number of donors screened during this period was 130,920. Samples were tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, and malaria and retested if found positive by third generation ELISA tests (HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], HCV). Comparative analysis was done using Chi-square for linear trend. Comparison between prevalence rates among voluntary and replacement donors was done using Chi-square tests using Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Results: Of total 130,920 donors, 114,214 (87%) were voluntary and 16,706 (13%) were replacement donors. Male donors predominated, 128,781 (98.37%) male and female 2139 (1.63%). Average seropositivity of HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, syphilis, and malaria was 0.10%, 1.60%, 0.18%, 0.89%, and 0.04% among all donors. Significant difference ( P Conclusion: Comparing a retrospective data over a long period showed decreasing trend in seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, syphilis, and malaria. Results of the study reflect the prevalence of these infections in the healthy population and warrant measures that should be taken to detect these infections and prevent transmission.