Seroprevalence Of Syphilis Research Articles

Epidemiology of syphilis in regional blood transfusion centres in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

IntroductionSyphilis remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, including Burkina Faso. However, few published data are available on the prevalence of syphilis in the general population. This study had two main objectives: to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis in a cohort of 37,210 first time blood donors and to study socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of infection by Treponema pallidum.MethodsAntibodies to Treponema pallidum were screened for, by using Reagin Rapid Test (RPR) and their presence was confirmed by treponema pallidum haemagglutination test (TPHA).ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of syphilis was 1.5% among first time blood donors and was significantly different between centers (p <0.001). The infection was significantly higher in men than women among blood donors in Ouagadougou and Fada N′gourma (P = 0.001 and P = 0.034). The overall seroprevalence of syphilis among blood donors was not associated with either age group or HIV status. In contrast, a significantly high seroprevalence of syphilis was observed in blood donors with HBsAg (P = 0.014) and anti-HCV (P = 0.007) positive.ConclusionOur report shows a low seroprevalence of syphilis in the representative sample of the population of Burkina Faso. The seroprevalence of syphilis remains unequally distributed between urban and rural areas and was not associated with HIV infection.

Seroprevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected individuals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of syphilis and its risk factors among people with HIV at a hospital in Ethiopia.DesignA hospital-based cross-sectional study.SettingThis study was conducted at one of the largest...

Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis among blood donors at Blood Bank of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Safe blood is a critical component in improving health care and in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. But the quality and safety of blood transfusion is still a concern for health-care personnel’s. The infectious diseases for which blood donors are screened in the hospital include HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Syphilis. Aims & Objective: To study seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and SYPHILIS in blood donors at Tertiary Hospital. Material and Methods: This was Secondary data analysis. Data was procured from Blood bank of the tertiary hospital. All the blood donors in the records over a period of three years were included in the analysis. A through search of records revealed that total 27,407 donors had been screened over the period of three years Samples were screened for HIV, HBsAg, HCV and Syphilis. All reactive samples were retested before being labelled as seropositive. Seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and Syphilis; comparative analysis of three years data using Chi square for linear trend analysis; comparison between prevalence rates among voluntary and replacement donors using Chi square test. Results: Of the 27,407 donors, 13,168 (48%) were replacement and 14,239 (52%) voluntary Donors; 95.40% were male. Seroprevalence of major blood-borne pathogens (HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis) was 1.67%. Seropositivity of HIV, HBsAg, anti- HCV, and syphilis was 0.30%, 0.85%, 0.21% and 0.25%, respectively. There was statistically significant difference (p

Possible Correlation of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases with Rh type and ABO Blood Group System

Screening of blood is mandatory for transfusion transmitted diseases and is routinely done in the blood banks. As blood is the major source transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus & many other diseases the hazards can be minimised by effective donor selection and screening. To find out the correlation between the transfusion transmitted diseases and blood groups and the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV & syphilis among the apparently healthy human blood donors. Study, Setting & Design: This retrospective study was conducted at the blood bank of a tertiary health care teaching centre for a period of four years. All voluntary and replacement donors reporting to the blood bank were screened for HIV-1 & 2, HBsAg, HCV and Syphilis. Anti-HIV -1 & 2, HBsAg & anti - HCV was tested using the appropriate Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using micro-elisa kit supplied by J.Mitra & Co.Ltd. The seropositive samples were again tested on ELISA kits of RFCL &/or BIORAD for further confirmation & ruling out any false positive or false negative results. The rapid plasma reagain (RPR) test was used for estimation of syphilis infection. The data entry was carried out using Microsoft office excel worksheet and was analysed by percentage and comparison. Total of 6000 donors were screened which included voluntary and replacement donors. Seroprevalence of HIV (0.1833 %), HCV (1.28%), HBsAg (1.5833 %) and syphilis (0.4333 %) was detected. In the study done it was also noted - that the NEGATIVE blood groups were more prone to TTIs. Blood group A negative was more prone to TTIs with HIV, HBsAg and VDRL while blood group B negative was more affected by HCV. Seroprevalence of these infections shows that routine screening is a must for blood and blood product safe transfusion. Do negative blood groups predispose to TTIs? A finding which makes us think….

Safety of blood and components obtained from voluntary and replacement donors: a comparative analysis

A eight and half year retrospective study from January, 2005 to June, 2013 was conducted in the blood bank of Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital under the department of pathology of Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Donors were screened for seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis. The sera of total 12716 donors were tested, out of these 6592(51.8%) were from voluntary while 6124(48.2%) were towards replacement donors. The incidence of HIV was 0.17 % in total donors, more in replacement (0.12%) as compared to voluntary (0.05%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in total donors was 0.72 %. Comparable results were seen in both types of donors. The seropositivity for anti HCV was (0.55%) and was found to be higher in replacement donors (0.43%) .The seroprevalence of VDRL was 0.50 % in total donors, more in replacement donors (0.35%) as compared to voluntary donors (0.15%). Hence, it was concluded that voluntary donation is safer than replacement donation.

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow-up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow-up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.

Hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin, 2007–2008

To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, and HIV and associated risk factors in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin. A cross-sectional study was performed in six indigenous populations from the Peruvian Amazon Basin. Blood samples were obtained and tested for HBV (antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)), for syphilis (rapid plasma reagin and microhemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum antibodies), and for HIV (ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence test). A survey was also performed to identify associated risk factors. One thousand two hundred and fifty-one pregnant women and 778 male partners were enrolled in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc in pregnant women was 42.06% (95% confidence interval (CI) 39.28-44.85%) and in their male partners was 54.09% (95% CI 50.32-57.86%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women was 2.11% (95% CI 0.78-3.44%) and in their male partners was 3.98% (95% CI 1.87-6.08%). The seroprevalence of syphilis in pregnant women was 1.60% (95% CI 0.86-2.33%) and in their male partners was 2.44% (95% CI 1.22-3.66%). HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was 0.16% (95% CI 0.02-0.58%) and in their male partners was 0.29% (95% CI 0.04-1.03%). Sexual risk factors were strongly related to blood markers of syphilis and HBV. Hepatitis B was found to be hyperendemic and strongly related to sexual factors, suggesting an important sexual component in the transmission of the disease in the populations studied. Syphilis was found to have an endemicity in pregnant women above the national level and this may be indicative of high mother-to-child transmission. HIV has started to show its presence in indigenous populations of the Amazon Basin and the results suggest the epidemic is concentrated.

Seroprevalence of Hiv, Hbv, Hcv and Syphilis in Blood Donors

Blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of infections to recipients. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors. For this, a 9 years retrospective study, from January 2002 to December 2010 was conducted at the blood bank, G.G. Government Hospital & M.P.Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat.. Donors were screened for seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis. A total of 1,07,560 donors were tested, out of which 33,491 (31%) were voluntary donors from camp. The seroprevalence of HIV was 0.3% in the donors. Decrease in sero-positivity when there is increase in number of donors from camp.. The low sero-positivity among donors is attributed to pre-donation counseling in donor selection. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and syphilis was 1.2%, 0.26% and 0.5% respectively in total donors.

Analysis of the seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilitic infections detected in the pretranfusion blood: A short report

Aims: Blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of infections to recipients. The aim of the study was to analyse the seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilitic infections in the pretransfusion blood. Methods: A total of 19,135 blood units were tested for HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis. Results: The seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis was 0.9%, 3.2%, 0.35%, 0.04% respectively in total donors. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was more compared to HIV, HCV and syphilis.

Evaluation of the usefulness of Treponema pallidum hemagglutination test in the diagnosis of syphilis in weak reactive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory sera

Background and Objectives:Biological false positive (BFP) reactivity by the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test used for diagnosis of syphilis is a cause for concern. The use of the VDRL as a screening procedure is challenged by some studies. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of BFP reactions in different subject groups and to assess the usefulness of Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test in low titre VDRL reactive sera.Materials and Methods:A total of 5785 sera from sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic attendees, antenatal clinic attendees, husbands of antenatal cases, peripheral health centres attendees (representing community population) and from patients referred from different OPDs/wards were screened for BFP reactions by the VDRL test. Sera reactive in the VDRL test were confirmed by the TPHA test.Results:Out of 80 qualitative VDRL reactive sera, 68 had <1:8 titre on quantitation and TPHA was positive in 59 samples, indicating BFP reactivity in 0.2% in all the subject groups. BFP was nil in the community population. The male-to-female ratio of BFP reactions was 2:1. VDRL and TPHA positivity was highest (76%) in the age group of 20-29 years. The seroprevalence of syphilis varied from 0.4% to 3.5% in different patient groups.Conclusions:The results of this study highlight that the TPHA positivity was high (86.8%) in sera with VDRL titre less than 1:8. Therefore, for the diagnosis of syphilis, it is recommended that a confirmatory test such as TPHA should be performed on all sera with a reactive VDRL regardless of its titre.

Evaluation of the usefulness of Treponema pallidum hemagglutination test in the diagnosis of syphilis in weak reactive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory sera.

Biological false positive (BFP) reactivity by the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test used for diagnosis of syphilis is a cause for concern. The use of the VDRL as a screening procedure is challenged by some studies. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of BFP reactions in different subject groups and to assess the usefulness of Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test in low titre VDRL reactive sera. A total of 5785 sera from sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic attendees, antenatal clinic attendees, husbands of antenatal cases, peripheral health centres attendees (representing community population) and from patients referred from different OPDs/wards were screened for BFP reactions by the VDRL test. Sera reactive in the VDRL test were confirmed by the TPHA test. Out of 80 qualitative VDRL reactive sera, 68 had <1:8 titre on quantitation and TPHA was positive in 59 samples, indicating BFP reactivity in 0.2% in all the subject groups. BFP was nil in the community population. The male-to-female ratio of BFP reactions was 2:1. VDRL and TPHA positivity was highest (76%) in the age group of 20-29 years. The seroprevalence of syphilis varied from 0.4% to 3.5% in different patient groups. The results of this study highlight that the TPHA positivity was high (86.8%) in sera with VDRL titre less than 1:8. Therefore, for the diagnosis of syphilis, it is recommended that a confirmatory test such as TPHA should be performed on all sera with a reactive VDRL regardless of its titre.

Syphilis Seroprevalence among Patients Attending a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic in West Bengal, India

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and is a major public health concern in India. The trend of syphilis infection was studied in attendees aged 15-49 years in an STD clinic in West Bengal from 2004 to 2008. Blood samples were collected from 250 consecutive patients per year (a total of 1,250 samples over 5 years); the patients attended the STD clinic for 12 weeks (October-December) each year, and the serostatus of syphilis was determined qualitatively with the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test using serum samples. A quantitative VDRL test was then performed at a dilution of 1:8 using serum samples that yielded positive results in the qualitative VDRL test. Finally, serum samples that yielded positive results in the quantitative VDRL test were also subjected to the Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). The serum samples that yielded positive results in both the tests were considered syphilis seropositive. All seropositive serum samples from the quantitative VDRL test were also found to be positive results in TPHA. The total seropositivity for syphilis in the STD patients was 8.2% (women, 8.9%; men, 7.7%). Review of the data from 5 consecutive years showed a statistically significant (χ(2) = 9.968, df = 4, P < 0.05) decrease in syphilis positivity from 10.8% (2004) to 3.6% (2008). The results of the study also revealed that the highest seroprevalence was in the 20-24 age group (16.3%), and the lowest seroprevalence was in the 45-49 age group (3.3%). The study indicates the effectiveness of current interventions with a need to focus further on reducing the burden in the 20-24 age group.

Seroprevalence of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus in the general population of the Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China

This study aimed at understanding the HIV prevalence, distribution of HIV risk factors and whether the HIV has spread from high-risk groups to the general population in the Yanyuan and Muli counties, Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. A multistage probability method was used to select a representative sample of villages in each county, with stratification by risk employed in the sampling for the Yanyuan county. A real-name registration and confidential method were adopted to collect the information of the participants. Blood specimens were tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus. A total of 4,950 subjects participated in the study. Of the participants aged ≥ 15 years, 0.12% self-reported being drug users and 40% were injection drug users; 0.46% had multiple sex partners and the condom use rate was only 26.3% during the last sexual intercourse. HIV, syphilis, and HCV prevalence of Yanyuan county were 0.06% (95% CI: 0-0.142), 0.06% (95% CI: 0-0.142), and 0.15% (95% CI: 0.020-0.280), respectively. HCV prevalence of Muli county was 0.06% (95% CI: 0-0.191), and none was found to be HIV or syphilis positive. Therefore, the rate of HIV infection in Yanyuan and Muli counties is at a low level currently. The Yanyuan county HIV infection rate is similar to the average rate in all of China, and the Muli county rate is below China's average. The HIV epidemic has not spread from high-risk groups to the general population in these two counties.

Seroprevalence and incidence of transfusion‐transmitted infectious diseases among blood donors from regional blood transfusion centres in Burkina Faso, West Africa

The high prevalence of numerous transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases such as HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa affects blood safety for transfusion recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of transfusion-transmissible infectious diseases among blood donors in Burkina Faso. A retrospective study of blood donors' records from January to December 2009 was conducted. Prevalence and incidence of viral infections were calculated among repeat and first-time blood donors. Of the total of 31405 first-time volunteer blood donors in 2009, 24.0% were infected with at least one pathogen and 1.8% had serological evidence of multiple infections. The seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in first-time volunteer donors was 1.8%, 13.4%, 6.3% and 2.1%, respectively. In 3981 repeat donors, the incidence rate was 3270.2, 5874.1 and 6784.6 per 100000 donations for anti-HIV-1, HBsAg and anti-HCV, respectively. These numbers varied significantly according to populations where blood is collected and blood centres in Burkina Faso. The relatively high prevalence of viral markers in first-time volunteers and remarkably high incidence of infections in repeat donors raise concerns regarding the safety of these donors and suggest that implementation of NAT might significantly improve the situation.

Epidemiology of syphilis in Kenya: results from a nationally representative serological survey

ObjectivesThe authors used data from the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS) 2007 to determine the prevalence of syphilis and associated risk factors among adults aged 15–64 years.MethodsKAIS was a nationally...

Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses and syphilis among blood donors in Koudougou (Burkina Faso) in 2009.

The high prevalence of numerous transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa affects the safety of blood for recipients. This study was undertaken with the aim of determining the seroprevalence of HIV, HCV, HBV, syphilis and socio-demographic risk factors associated with blood donation in a new regional blood transfusion centre in Burkina Faso. Sera samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to HCV, HIV types 1 and 2 and to Treponema pallidum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Rapid Plasma Reagin test (RPR) respectively. All the reactive samples for HIV, HBsAg, and HCV were confirmed using a second enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Antibodies to Treponema pallidum were confirmed with a Treponema pallidum haemagglutination test (TPHA). From the total of 4,520 blood donors in 2009, 1,348 (29.82%) were infected with at least one pathogen and 149 (3.30%) had serological evidence of multiple infections. The overall seroprevalence rate of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis was 2.21%, 14.96%, 8.69% and 3.96%, respectively. Among blood donors with multiples infections, the most common dual or triple combinations were HBsAg-HCV (1.39%), HBsAg-syphilis (0.66%) and HBsAg-HCV-syphilis (0.11%). The highest prevalences of HBsAg and HIV were found among blood donors from rural areas and in the age groups of 20-29 years and >40 years old, respectively. HBV and HCV remain the greatest threats to blood safety in Burkina Faso. Strict selection and retention of voluntary, non-remunerated low-risk blood donors are recommended to improve blood safety in the regional blood transfusion centre of Koudougou.

Seroprevalence of Treponema Pallidum antibody among pregnant population of Bangladesh

The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of antibody to Treponema pallidum among pregnant women and its association with age, sexual behavior and socioeconomic status. In this cross-sectional study, 1266 sera were collected from pregnant women attending Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Rajshahi, Khulna and Chittagong Medical College Hospitals between February 2007 and April 2008. From each hospital, samples were collected from about a quarter of the total recruited pregnant women. Sera were tested to identify the antibody to T. pallidum using Treponema pallidum hemagglutination at the Virology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Logistic regression was used to explore potential risk factors for syphilis. Among 1250 sera tested (16 sera were discarded due to hemolysis), 37 (2.96%) were positive for T. pallidum antibody. Higher seropositivity was associated with couples with no formal education, low socioeconomic status (P = 0.006), marriage at or before 18 years of age (P = 0.002), multiple marriages of the husband (P = 0.031) and sexual activity for more than 10 years (P = 0.007). Among these factors, low education level of women, early age of marriage and multiple marriages of the husband showed individual effects on high seropositivity to T. pallidum. The high seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics of these hospitals indicates the need for the incorporation of screening for syphilis in routine antenatal screening in Bangladesh. Improvement of education level in the female population, prevention of early marriage and preventing polygamy of husbands may play an important role in prevention of syphilis among women.

P1-S1.09 Trends in the aetiology of sexually transmitted infections and HIV Coinfections among STI patients attending Alexandra Health Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa (2007–2010)

ObjectivesTo determine trends in the relative prevalence of aetiologies of urethral discharge (UDS), vaginal discharge (VDS) and genital ulcer (GUS) syndromes, and in the seroprevalence of syphilis, HSV-2 and HIV.MethodsConsecutive...

Prevalence of syphilis seropositivity in antenatal clinic clients in a teaching hospital in South–South region of Nigeria

Objective To assess the seroprevalence of syphilis among women receiving antenatal care in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Methods Between July 2009 to March 2010, blood samples of 415 consenting clients submitted for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) HIV screening programme were screened for syphilis antibodies using the Immunochromatographic ACON Ultra Rapid Syphilis Test Strip (ACON laboratory Inc. USA). Any positive result was repeated with another test strip (Diaspot Ultra Rapid Syphilis Test Strip, Diaspot Inc. USA). Results Of the 415 samples, 9 (2.2%) were syphilis seropositive and 14 (3.4%) were HIV positive. Assessment of risk factors for syphilis revealed an observed trend with increasing parity though statistically not significant ( P=0.268). More than half of the syphilis positive clients believed their spouses were promiscuous. Conclusions There is still a substantial carriage of syphilis among antenatal clinic attendees in UUTH, Uyo. The need for routine screening is imperative. Point of care testing should conveniently be incorporated into the PMTCT programme.

Routine antenatal syphilis screening in South west Nigeria- a questionable practice.

Untreated maternal syphilis is strongly associated with adverse birth outcomes, especially in women with high titre syphilis. The WHO recommends routine serological screening in pregnancy. Some workers have advised a reappraisal of this practice, having demonstrated low sero-prevalence in their antenatal population. In view of this, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis in the antenatal population presenting at a major hospital in south-west Nigeria. This was a cross sectional study of healthy pregnant Nigerian women attending Adeoyo Maternity Hospital in the capital of Oyo State. The case record of every pregnant woman presenting for their first antenatal clinic visit over a 4-month period (September 1st to December 31st 2006) was reviewed. During the study period, two thousand six hundred and seventy-eight women sought antenatal care. Three hundred and sixty-nine women (369; 13.4%) had incomplete records and were excluded from analysis. The records of the 2,318(86.6%) women with adequate records were subsequently reviewed. The mean age of the women was 27.4 years (± 5.34) and the mean gestational age 26.4 weeks (±6.36). The modal parity was 0. Only three patients were found to be reactive for syphilis giving a prevalence of 0.13%. The sero- prevalence value in this study is quite low and may justify the call to discontinue routine antenatal syphilis screening. However, a more rigorous screening program using diagnostic tests with higher sensitivity maybe necessary before jettisoning this traditional aspect of antenatal care.