Prevalence of Human T Cell Leukaemia Virus amongst Blood Donors

Background

Human T cell leukaemia virus (HTLV) I/II are retroviruses implicated in transfusion transmitted infection. Present study was undertaken to assess seroprevalence of HTLV in voluntary blood donors along with pattern of blood utilisation. Methods: A total of 258 healthy blood donors who were free from infectious markers in transfusion as per current transfusion guidelines were enrolled. They were screened for HTLV-I/II antibodies by commercially available enzyme immuno assay (EIA) and their blood utilisation data was analysed.

Result

Five (1.9%) donors were found seropositive for HTLV-I/II of which 1.2 % were first time and 0.9% were repeat donors. Blood utilisation data revealed 20.9% and 38.8% units were utilised within 5 and 6–14 days of collection respectively. 45.9% recipients were transfused with single blood unit. 42.9% recipients were immunosuppressed due to underlying disease. Conclusion: The high prevalence of HTLV in blood donors, coupled with single unit transfusion, use of fresh blood, non availability of acellular blood products and immunosuppression in recipients can lead to significant transfusion transmitted HTLV infection. We suggest judicious use of blood products and screening of blood donors in prevention of transfusion transmitted HTLV-I/II.Key Words: HTLV-I/II, Blood donors; Transfusion transmitted infection; Retrovirus     

Seroprevalence of TORCH infections in antenatal and HIV positive patient populations

Background

The TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the Herpes Simplex Virus) cause range of diseases in pregnant women and HIV patients and lead to adverse fetal outcomes when not treated on time, in HIV positive can cause life threating infections. There is inadequate data available of these infections in India.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of the TORCH infections in antenatal and HIV/AIDS patients at a tertiary care centre. The laboratory data pertaining to the period Jan 2012–May 2014 was analyzed. The study population involved 162 antenatal cases and 729 HIV/AIDS patients under review at an ART centre. Laboratory testing was done for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against the TORCH infections by ELISA method.

Results

Among the antenatal cases, 30 (18.52%) samples were found to be seropositive for Toxoplasma IgM, CMV IgM antibodies were found in 47 (29.01%) samples, HSV IgM antibodies were found in 12 (7.40%) samples, Rubella IgM antibodies were found in 13 (8.02%) samples, indicating recent infection. Among the HIV/AIDS cases, indicative of recent or current infection, 160 (21.94%) samples were positive for Toxoplasma IgM, CMV IgM was found in 99 (13.58%), HSV IgM antibodies were found in 98 (13.44%) and Rubella IgM in 47 (6.44%).

Conclusions

The study showed a high seroprevalence of the infections caused by the TORCH complex amongst pregnant women and HIV/AIDS patients despite improved hygiene conditions and health awareness. Maximum seroprevalence for CMV was observed followed by Rubella and HSV infection.     

Seroprevalence of human parvovirus B19 in healthy blood donors

Background

Human parvovirus B19 is an emerging transfusion transmitted infection. Although parvovirus B19 infection is connected with severe complications in some recipients, donor screening is not yet mandatory. To reduce the risk of contamination, plasma-pool screening and exclusion of highly viraemic donations are recommended. In this study the prevalence of parvovirus B19 in healthy blood donors was detected by ELISA.

Methods

A total of 1633 samples were screened for IgM and IgG antibodies against parvovirus B19 by ELISA. The initial 540 samples were screened for both IgM and IgG class antibodies and remaining 1093 samples were screened for only IgM class antibodies by ELISA.

Results

Net prevalence of IgM antibodies to human parvovirus B19 in our study was 7.53% and prevalence of IgG antibodies was 27.96%. Dual positivity (IgG and IgM) was 2.40%.

Conclusion

The seroprevalence of human parvovirus B19 among blood donor population in our study is high, and poses an adverse transfusion risk especially in high-risk group of patients who have no detectable antibodies to B19. Studies with large sample size are needed to validate these results.     

Transfusion Transmitted Infections in Armed Forces: Prevalence and Trends

Background

This study presents data on the prevalence rate of infectious markers among voluntary and replacement donors in the blood transfusion service in Armed Forces from 2000 to 2004.

Methods

39,646 units of blood were collected from donors during the period from 2000 to 2004. All the samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 1&2, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and by venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL).

Results

24,527 (61.9%) were voluntary donations and 15,119 (38.1%) replacement donations. Prevalence of HBsAg had decreased, amongst voluntary donors from 1.67% to 0.77% but the positivity rate has not showed significant change. Seropositivity of HIV had decreased both in voluntary and replacement donors to 0.22% and 0.86% respectively. The seropositivity for anti-HCV showed steady decrease amongst voluntary donors from 0.46% to 0.20% in 2004, but in replacement donors, there was an increase in reactivity rate from 0.43% to 0.65%.

Conclusion

The increased seropositivity for HCV, HIV and HBsAg could be decreased by introduction of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) in minipools for HCV and HIV and introduction of anti-HBcAg (IgM) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. But this may not be possible in near future in developing countries due to financial constraints. At present implementation of strict donor criteria and with use of sensitive laboratory screening tests it is possible to reduce the incidence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) in Indian scenario.Key Words: Transfusion transmitted infections, Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis B virus     

Changing trends of transfusion transmitted viral infections among blood donors in the last decade—a 10-year study in a large tertiary care blood bank (2000–2009

Background

The main blood borne viruses'' viz. hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), are a major public health issue, and represent significant causes of morbidity and mortality associated with transfusion. This study analysed the trends of blood borne infections among blood donors in a large blood bank in the last 10 years.

Method

Viral screening results of 80,500 voluntary and replacement donations from 2000 to 2009 were analysed. All donations were screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV. The seroprevalence rate of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections and 95% confidence interval were calculated.

Results

The seroprevalence rate of HBV, HIV, and HCV, decreased during the last 10-years study from 2000 to 2009. There is significant and impressive decrease in HBV seroprevalence rate from 2.39% in 2000 to 1.28% in 2009. The seroprevalence rate of HIV appeared to have decreased with a very significant value from 1.32% to 0.30% in 2009. Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence rate showed a slight decline in blood donations from 0.48% in 2001 to 0.22% in 2009.

Conclusion

There is a general reduction in the seroprevalence rate of viral infections. This is probably because of discouragement of professional or paid donations; better awareness, better prophylactic measures, and availability of vaccines have played a major role.Key Words: transfusion transmitted infections     

Psychosocial Variables of Voluntary Blood Donors at Blood Bank of a Medical College

Background

This study was undertaken to study the motivational factors leading to voluntary blood donation and understanding the psychosocial variables of blood donors.

Methods

300 blood donors were selected by systematic random sampling method.

Result

It was observed that most of the voluntary donors were males (89.3%) and belonged to age group 16-25 years (48%). Most of the donors (93.46%) had studied upto high school and above and 84.33% of the donors belonged to the middle class. 27% of the donors had donated blood previously. The common motivational factors to donate blood were for ‘a good cause'', ‘for the society’ and ‘to save a life''. 4.67% of them donated blood for self satisfaction.

Conclusion

Motivation, recruitment and retention of voluntary blood donors are important criteria to achieve safe blood donation.Key Words: Motivation, Psychosocial, Voluntary, Blood Donors     

The Role of anti-HBc IgM in Screening of Blood Donors

Background

Transfusion transmitted hepatitis B has always been a dreaded disease, with incidence of increased transmission through donated blood. The screening test for hepatitis B infection is detection of HBsAg that does not rule out the risk of transmission of hepatitis B as the donor may be in the ‘window period’. During this period, detection of the antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) IgM type serves as a useful serological marker. The aim of this study was to screen blood donors for anti-HBc type IgM and anti - HBc Ag total for detection and to find their incidence amongst blood donors.

Methods

2552 voluntary blood donors were screened by the ELISA method for HBsAg and anti - HBc IgM and other mandatory screening markers. 704 of the test blood samples were also screened for anti-HBc total.

Result

Of the 2552 donor, 47 (1.84 %) cases were HBsAg positive. A total of 11 (0.43 %) blood units were reactive for HBcAg IgM and of these, 10 (0.39 %) were HBsAg negative and reactive for anti-HBcAg IgM. Of the 704 samples tested for anti - HBcAg total, 112 (15.9%) samples were reactive.

Conclusion

Screening of blood for anti-HBc total is practical in the western world as the incidence of HBsAg and anti-HBc is low in these countries and these positive blood units for anti - HBcAg total can be discarded. This may not be practical in India as the incidence of anti- HBcAg total is high in our population. It is recommended that all blood units should be tested for anti - HBc IgM for infectivity status of the blood donors in the window period and to discard blood if positive.Key Words: Window period, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Anti hepatitis B core antigen     

Proportion of Rh phenotypes in voluntary blood donors

Background

The Rh system is the major blood group system besides ABO system. Even after proper blood grouping and cross matching there is a possibility of alloimmunization and antibody production in the recipients against the Rh or minor blood group antigens like Kell, MNSs, Duffy etc. Keeping in view the heavy financial burden of complete phenotyping of blood; the determination of only Rh phenotypes can play a major role in preventing alloimmunization and adverse events in multitransfusion cases. To determine the proportion of Rh phenotypes in voluntary blood donors with a view to generate blood bank data for constitution of panel of blood donors for multipurpose utilities.

Method

Identification of Rhesus factors (Rh) was done by the antigen antibody agglutination test by the test tube method on 10,133 healthy voluntary donors.

Results

The phenotypic frequencies of Rh blood groups in the studied population were D-92.25%, C-87.55%, E-26.55%, c-51.06% and e-98.42%. Thus ‘e’ was the most common and E was the least common of all the Rh types. Phenotypically DCCee group was the most common phenotype and dccee was least common type.

Conclusion

Determination of Rh phenotypes can play a major role in preventing alloimmunization and avoiding adverse events in multitransfusion cases.     

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in North Eastern India

Background

There is paucity of data on Lyme disease in India. A seroprevalence study of B burgdorferi infection was carried out in North-Eastern states of India to assess the same.

Methods

Sera from 500 individuals of North-Eastern states of India were tested for IgG antibody by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay using commercial kits containing recombinant antigen.

Result

Out of 500 persons, 65 (13%) were positive for B burgdorferi specific lgG Females showed higher positivity rate as compared to males (15.86% vs 10.95%). Higher prevalence rate was observed in the age group of 15-30 years in both sexes (11.48% in male and 18.69% in female). Arunachal Pradesh showed higher seroprevalence rate (17.8%) as compared to other North-Eastern states (8.46-9.6%).

Conclusion

Seropositivity to B burgdorferi suggests infection by the organism and presence of Lyme disease in these areas. Further population and vector biology studies are required to find out the exact species involved in transmission of the organism.Key Words: Lyme Disease, Seroprevalence, Borrelia burgdorferi     

Serological Evidence of Chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Coronary Artery Disease

Background

Recent studies have suggested that Chlamydia pneumoniae infection could be involved in atherosclerosis and related clinical manifestations such as coronary artery disease, carotid artery stenosis and myocardial infarction.

Methods

Serum IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies to chlamydia genus specific antigen were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 100 cases of angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease (CAD) and 100 randomly selected healthy individuals as controls after matching for age and sex. All the samples positive for chlamydia genus specific IgG antibodies were then subjected to Chlamydia pneumoniae species specific IgG antibody ELISA.

Results

Seroprevalence of chlamydia genus specific IgG antibodies in control group was 59% with an increase in seropositivity with increasing age. The overall seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 76% in CAD group and the prevalence was significantly high in all age groups as compared to controls. The odds ratio was 2.20 for seropositivity of chlamydia genus specific IgG antibodies in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and/or angina than in control group. No significant association was observed for IgA and IgM anti-chlamydial antibodies. The odds ratio for prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae species specific IgG antibodies in CAD patients increased to 2.55 in comparison to age and sex matched controls.

Conclusion

Current study supports the reported association between C pneumoniae infection and CAD in Indian population.Key Words: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Coronary artery disease     

Incidence and clinical implication of TT virus in patients with hepatitis and its frequency in blood donors in India

Background

Transfusion Transmitted Virus (TTV), also known as Torque Teno Virus is a new novel viral agent which appears to correlate with some acute and chronic hepatitis cases and may produce liver damage under specific circumstances. Aim of this study was to detect TT virus by real-time PCR, study its clinical implications and effects of its co-infection in HBV and HCV chronic liver diseases.

Methods

The study population comprised 50 acute hepatitis, 50 chronic hepatitis patients and 100 voluntary blood donors. All samples were tested for serum bilirubin, AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels and for all available viral markers for hepatitis. The detection of TT viral genome was carried out by real-time PCR using TTV sequences as reported by Takahashi et al with modifications on the basis of database of the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AB008394","term_id":"2959440","term_text":"AB008394"}}AB008394).

Result

Serum was positive for TTV in 72% of volunteer blood donors, 77.4% (24/31) of hepatitis A cases, 87.6% (36/41) of HBV-positive, 77% (10/13) of HCV-positive, and 92.8% (13/14) of non-B, non-C cases. Co-infection of TTV with other hepatitis viruses was detected in some patients.

Conclusion

TTV is a frequent virus detected in patients with various types of viral hepatitis, in cases of hepatitis without obvious viral agent, and from the healthy population in India. Rate of TTV was found to be significantly higher (92.8%) for Non A–E hepatitis group.     

Detection of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among cancer patients in a major hospital in Kelantan,Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Strongyloidiasis is one of the most commonly neglected but clinically important parasitic infections worldwide, especially among immunocompromised patients. Evidence of infection among immunocompromised patients in Malaysia is, however, lacking. In this study, microscopy, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to detect Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis) infection among cancer patients in a Malaysian hospital.

METHODS

A total of 192 stool and serum samples were collected from cancer patients who were receiving chemotherapy with or without steroid treatment at a hospital in northeastern Malaysia. Stool samples were examined for S. stercoralis using parasitological methods and real-time PCR. Serology by ELISA was performed to detect parasite-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG4 and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. For comparison, IgG4- and IgG-ELISAs were also performed on the sera of 150 healthy individuals from the same area.

RESULTS

Of the 192 samples examined, 1 (0.5%) sample was positive for S. stercoralis by microscopy, 3 (1.6%) by real-time PCR, 8 (4.2%) by IgG-ELISA, 6 (3.1%) by IgG4-ELISA, and none was positive by IgE-ELISA. In comparison, healthy blood donors had significantly lower prevalence of parasite-specific IgG (2.67%, p < 0.05) and IgG4 (2.67%, p < 0.05) responses.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that laboratory testing may be considered as a diagnostic investigation for S. stercoralis among immunocompromised cancer patients.     

Toxoplasmosis among pregnant women: High seroprevalence and risk factors in Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo

Objective

To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, as well as the proportion of acutely infected and risk factors in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

Thirty maternities in Kinshasa were randomly selected and women attending antenatal consultation were invited to participate. They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire about known risk factors (age, meat consumption, contact with soil, and presence of cat) and a venous blood sample was taken. Sera were analysed for total immunoglobulins (Ig) by VIDAS Toxo Competition using Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay. IgM was determined by VIDIA Toxo IgM and IgG avidity by VIDAS Toxo IgG avidity.

Results

A total of 781 women were included. Median age was 28 years old (IQR: 8.5). And 627 women (80.3%; 95% CI: 77.5-83.1) were found to be positive to total Ig and 17 out of 387 (4.4%; 95% CI: 2.3-6.4) were positive to IgM. IgG avidity was low for 2 (11.8%) women, intermediate for 2 (11.8%) and high for 13 women (76.4%). There was no statistically significant association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and any risk factors assessed.

Conclusion

In Kinshasa, toxoplasmosis endemicity is highly prevalent. One woman out of twenty five had a recent toxoplasmosis infection and 20% were not protected against primo-infection, indicating a need for measures to prevent and control toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.     

Validation of the haemoglobin colour scale for screening blood donors in Malawi

Background

In 2009 Malawi introduced a new protocol to screen potential blood donors for anaemia, using the WHO Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS) for initial screening. Published studies of the accuracy of the HCS to screen potential blood donors show varying levels of accuracy and opinion varies whether this is an appropriate screening test. The aim of the study was to assess the validity of the HCS, as a screening test, by comparison to HemoCue in potential blood donors in Malawi.

Study design and methods

This was a blinded prospective study in potential blood donors aged over 18 years, at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service in Blantyre, Malawi. Capillary blood samples were analysed using the HCS and HemoCue, independent of each other. The sensitivity and specificity of correctly identifying ineligible blood donors (Hb≤12g/dL) were calculated.

Results

From 242 participants 234 (96.7%) were correctly allocated and 8 (3.3%), were wrongly allocated on the basis of the Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS) compared to HemoCue, all were subjects that were wrongly accepted as donors when their haemoglobin results were ≤12.0g/dL. This gave a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96.7% to detect donor eligibilty. The negative predictive value of the HCS was 100% but the positive predictive value to identify ineligible donors on the basis of anaemia was only 20%.

Conclusions

Initial screening with the HCS correctly predicts eligibility for blood donation in the majority of potential blood donors at considerable cost saving compared with use of HemoCue as the first line anaemia screening test, however, by this method a small number of anaemic patients were allowed to donate blood.     

Infectious Disease Markers in Blood Donors

Background

The infectious disease markers for which blood donors are screened include anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV), rapid plasma reagin (RPR) card test for syphilis and malarial parasites.

Methods

A total of 6751 donors were screened over three years to assess the prevalence of infectious disease markers. Screening for anti-HIV I and II, HBsAg and anti-HCV was carried out by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Syphilis was tested using RPR card test. Malarial parasite was tested by detection of genus specific plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase.

Result

The overall seropositivity for anti-HIV I and II was nine (0.13%), for HBsAg 67 (0.99%), for anti-HCV 13 (0.19%) and for syphilis 42 (0.62%). No sample showed malarial parasites. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the seropositivity of various markers between voluntary and replacement donors. There was a significant decline (p<0.05) in the prevalence of seropositivity for HCV and syphilis, but not for HIV and HBsAg over the three year period of the study.

Conclusion

The prevalence of infectious disease markers was similar to that reported by other studies. However, no significant difference was seen in the marker positivity in voluntary and replacement donors, which is at variance from other studies.Key Words: Infectious disease, Blood donors     

Profile of blood donors and reasons for deferral in coastal South India

Background

A blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure in many instances. An adequate supply of safe blood is ensured by exercising donor deferral criteria and screening for Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTI). The aim of this paper is to study the profile of blood donors and reasons for donor deferral in coastal South India.

Method

The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore. All those who donated between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2008 were included in the study. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured proforma and analysed using SPSS version 11.5.

Results

Most of the donors were under the age of 25 (42.92%).Donors were predominantly male (95.20%). In terms of occupation, most subjects were students (28.01%) followed by businessmen (18.61%). Slightly more than three-quarters of the donors (77.20%) were replacement donors. The main reasons for deferral were consumption of medication in the past 72 hours (15.15%), hypertension (13.18%), a low haemoglobin level (12.34%) and alcohol intake in the past 72 hours (12.20%). Among the TTIs identified, most samples were positive for Hepatitis B surface Antigen – HBsAg (0.87%) or tested positive for Anti-Hepatitis C (HCV antibodies (0.36%).

Conclusion

From the study it was concluded that the majority of the donor population was young and educated. The reason for donation was mainly replacement rather than voluntary. This issue needs to be addressed by exercising proactive measures to increase the number of voluntary, nonremunerated, low-risk donors.     

Socio-demographic characteristics associated with HIV and syphilis seroreactivity among pregnant women in Blantyre,Malawi, 2000–2004

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate socio-demographic factors associated with HIV and syphilis seroreactivity in pregnant Malawians presenting for antenatal care in late third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

Between December 2000 and March 2004 at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Blantyre, Malawi, we collected cross-sectional clinical and socioeconomic data from consenting women. HIV-1 status was determined using rapid HIV antibody tests and syphilis seroreactivity was determined using Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and confirmed with Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA).

Results

Of 3,824 women screened for HIV, 1156 (30%) were HIV seropositive and 198 (5%) were RPR and TPHA seroreactive. In the multivariate analysis, HIV infection was positively associated with elevated socio-economic status, being formerly married, and age, but not with education level. HIV prevalence was lower in women of Yao ethnicity than in other women (OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.64 – 0.95). Increased maternal education was negatively associated with syphilis seroreactivity.

Conclusions

The seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis among women attending the antenatal ward in Blantyre remains unacceptably high. Demographic correlates of HIV and syphilis infections were different. Our results demonstrate the need for better strategies to prevent HIV and syphilis in women and calls for optimizing antenatal syphilis screening and treatment in Malawi.     

Epidemiological Differentials of Hepatitis B Carrier State in the Army : A Community Based Sero-epidemiological Study

Background

Most available studies on seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in the Armed Forces and also at the national level are based on hospital patients and blood donors. Hence, there was a perceived need to undertake a seroepidemiological study on an adequately large and representative random sample of the general cross section of Army personnel, with a view to obtain the exact picture of the frequency and distribution of HBV in the Army.

Methods

A community based cross sectional study with random samples from four groups were drawn, viz recruits from the Army Medical Corps (AMC) and other Arms and Services; AMC personnel and personnel from other Arms and Services who had served for more than 10 years. A structured pretested questionnaire was administered to all participants and blood samples were drawn aseptically subsequently, with separation of serum and testing by ELISA technique for HBsAg. Multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression procedure was done after appropriate data entry.

Results

The overall seroprevalence was 7.9% (95%CI = 6.5% to 9.26%). The differential seroprevalence in the four groups being 7.72%, 7.92%, 8.28% and 7.75% respectively. There was statistically no significant difference as regards the seroprevalence levels [p > 0.05]. As regards serving medical personnel, the seroprevalence was observed to be higher among personnel involved in direct nursing care. On multiple logistic regression analysis, two risk factors emerged as independent and significant predictors of hepatitis B positivity. These were history of sexual exposure with commercial sex workers (CSWs) (OR = 3.06, p < 0.01) and history of having taken injections from civil sources (OR = 1.92, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The relatively high level of seroprevalence among recruits has led to certain recommendations on testing and further studies in specific groups, based on the findings of the study.Key Words: Health care workers, Hepatitis B - seroprevalence, Military personnel, Multivariate analysis, Risk factors     

Seroprevalence of helicobacter pylori in human immunodeficiency virus-positive Patients and it's correlation with CD4+ Lymphocyte Count

Background:

This study assessed the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies among Iranian patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It also examines whether anti H. pylori seroprevalence was associated with the severity of the HIV infection or the antiretroviral treatment.

Material and Methods:

A total of 114 HIV-infected patients and 114 age and sex-matched controls, without symptoms referable to upper gastrointestinal tract were recruited. Blood samples were obtained from all subjects. Serum IgG and IgA against H. pylori measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

The rate of anti H. pylori IgG seropositivity was 57.9% in HIV-infected patients and 28.95% in controls (P < 0.001), while the rate of IgA seropositivity was 2.64% in HIV patients and 31.57% in controls (P < 0.001). Although there was an increasing trend of higher IgG and IgA titre by increasing CD4 cell count in HIV-positive patients, it was not reach statistical significance. There was no statistical difference in the serology of anti H. pylori IgG and IgA between patients receiving antiretroviral therapy comparing untreated HIV patients.

Conclusions:

This study showed higher seroprevalence of H. pylori IgG along with lower seroprevalence of H. pylori IgA in HIV-positive patients compared matched controls.