Abstract
BackgroundTransfusion-transmissible infections pose a major health risk in developing countries, including Eritrea. In the present study, we sought to determine the prevalence of specific transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) and the associated risk factors among blood donors at a newly established regional blood transfusion center in Barentu, Eritrea.MethodsThe seroprevalence of markers for specific TTIs by sex, age, educational status, residence, occupation, and donor type was evaluated for donors who donated blood between July 2014 and April 2017. The relationship between TTIs and the stated factors was evaluated using the Pearson Chi-square test/Fishers exact test. Adjusted and unadjusted binary logistic regression models were employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the occurrence of TTIs. A two-sided p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultA total of 1939 donors were included in this study. Majority of the donors were males (88.2%), urban residents (68.8%), greater than 25 years of age (67%), and family replacement blood donors (FRBD) (59.7%). Two hundred and fifty (12.9%) donors were infected by at least one TTI. The cumulative seroprevalence of Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and syphilis were 16 (0.8%), 97 (5%), 13 (0.7%) and 140 (7.2%), respectively. Out of the total 266 infected donors, the prevalence of co-infection was 16 (0.8%). In the adjusted model, the OR and 95% CI for the seropositivity for any TTI associated with age, no formal education, elementary school educational level, and junior school educational level were 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01–1.04), 4.4 (95% CI: 2.58–7.49), 2.67 (95% CI: 1.49–4.80), and 2.00 (95% CI: 1.14–3.52), respectively. In addition, blood from FRBD had an increased likelihood of contamination with at least one TTI, with an OR (95% CI) of 1.56 (1.10–2.21).ConclusionThe prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections is relatively high. In particular, specific groups in the population appear to be disproportionally affected. Therefore, targeted sensitization campaigns should be implemented in the future.
Highlights
Transfusion-transmissible infections pose a major health risk in developing countries, including Eritrea
We explored the relationship between demographic variables and the frequency of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV), anti-Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and anti-TP among blood donors
The present study clearly shows a high seroprevalence of transmitted infections (TTIs) among blood donors at Gash Barka Zonal Blood Transfusion Center, Barentu
Summary
Transfusion-transmissible infections pose a major health risk in developing countries, including Eritrea. Blood transfusion and component therapies are integral part of modern medical interventions These therapies are not risk free with risk ranging from potentially fatal immuno-hypersensitivity reactions to potential transmission of blood-borne pathogens from donor to recipient. To limit the risk associated with TTI exposure, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mandatory screening of all blood donors and units for HIV 1 and 2, HCV, HBV and syphilis infections [3]. These recommendations combined with the development of newer and more sensitive screening tests have significantly reduced the incidence and prevalence of TTIs in countries where such approaches have been implemented [4, 5]. The TTI risk remains high in SSA despite the support of transfusion safety received by the WHO and other organisations [2]
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