Notification of transfusion transmitted infection

The National Blood Policy of India, 2002, advocates the disclosure of results of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) to blood donors. However, in the absence of well-defined notification processes, and in order to avoid serious consequences resulting from unguided disclosure, blood bank personnel discard blood that is TTI-positive. We report on a survey of 105 voluntary blood donors in Kerala. Only two out of three participants had filled the donor form in the last year. Only half were aware that the blood bank was supposed to inform them if they tested positive for TTI. Fifty-seven per cent of donors wanted to be informed every time they donated blood, irrespective of a positive or negative result.     

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     

Trends in incidence and prevalence of major transfusion-transmissible viral infections in US blood donors, 1991 to 1996. Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS)

CONTEXT: Evaluating trends in blood donor infectious disease rates is essential for monitoring blood supply safety and donor screening effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To determine changes over time in blood donor population infection rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-sponsored Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study. SETTING: Five blood centers in different regions of the United States. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1.9 million volunteer blood donors with 1 or more nonautologous donations from January 1991 to December 1996. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in rates of HIV, HTLV, HCV, and HBV infections were evaluated by comparing yearly prevalence estimates (per 100,000 donations) for first-time allogeneic donors and period-specific incidence rates (IRs) (per 100,000 person-years) for repeat allogeneic donors between 1991 and 1996 (for HCV, from about March 1992 to June 1996). RESULTS: Prevalence of HIV decreased in first-time donors from 0.030% to 0.015% (P=.006) and HCV prevalence decreased from 0.63% to 0.40% (P<.001). Trends were not statistically significant for the proportion of first-time donors with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or HTLV. For repeat donors, IRs did not change significantly, indicating a stable but low level of seroconversion. The overall IRs (95% confidence intervals) per 100,000 person-years were 2.92 (2.26-3.70) for HIV, 1.59 (1.12-2.19) for HTLV, 3.25 (2.36-4.36) for HCV, and an estimated 10.43 (7.99-13. 37) for HBV (based on an HBsAg rate of 2.66 [2.04-3.41] with presumed false-positive results considered negative). The HBV IR estimate with presumed false-positive results considered positive (for comparability to previous analyses) was 17.83 (14.60-21.56). CONCLUSION: The decrease in HIV and HCV prevalence rates, combined with the previously documented lower rates of infection in first-time donors compared with the general population, suggests the continued benefit of behavioral risk factor screening. JAMA. 2000;284:229-235     

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     

Alternative test sequences for HIV screening of donated blood

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is extremely rare among volunteer blood donors. The highly sensitive Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) test and the highly specific Western blot confirmation constitute the test sequence now used to minimize the possibility of transfusion associated HIV infection and to minimize the loss of donors due to false positive test results. The estimated operating characteristies for the test sequence permit the estimation of true infection rates which may be higher or lower than “observed” rates among subcategories of blood donors with progressively lower prevalence rates. The probability that a positive test result indicates true infection also declines with decreasing prevalence. The potential benefits of changing the test sequence so that complete HIV screening is implemented only for donations which are hepatitis-free include a reduction in the costs of Western blot testing and donor counseling, a reduction in the number of donors who use the blood bank inappropriately for personal HIV testing, and a more explicit recognition of the false positive problem when counseling donors.     

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV Infections in Blood Donors of Khulna, Bangladesh

To determine changes (Trends) in infection rates of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in blood donors of Khulna Population. Specimens of 34953 voluntary blood donors & party or relative donors in Transfusion Medicine Department of Khulna Medical College Hospital from 2007 to 2009 were screened for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV 1 & 2 reactivity in a cross-sectional survey by rapid test method. Reactive samples were verified using a recognized confirmatory test which consisted of a second generation enzyme immune assay (HBsAg), anti-HCV antibodies by anti-HCV EIA & for HIV by western Blot, respectively. The seroprevalence of HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV antibody 1 & 2 was 1.4%, 0.09% & 0.03% respectively in all blood donors. Prevalence of confirmed positivity was 0.62% for HBsAg, 0.04 % for Anti-HCV, 0.02% for HIV Western Blot. Between 2007 to 2009 a decreasing trend was observed in HBsAg frequency, HCV frequency decreased in 2009 compared to 2007. One HIV positivity found in 2009. Although the frequency of transfusion transmitted infections is low, party or relative donors have some risk factors than voluntary blood donors. Through more scrutiny in donor selection, improved serological test & reevaluation of infections routes in donor, infection reduction can be achieved.     

商丘市艾滋病VCT门诊HIV检测结果分析

目的:了解2005年商丘市疾病预防控制中心艾滋病自愿咨询检测(HIV voluntary counseling&testing,VCT)门诊求询者HIV感染状况,为本市艾滋病的预防控制提供依据。方法:对2005年1月~12月在本中心艾滋病VCT门诊203例求询者血液标本进行了HIV_抗体(1/2)检测,用酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)试验初筛,初筛试验阳性者用蛋白印迹检测法(WB)作确认试验。结果:检出HIV_抗体阳性30例,阳性率14.78%;男15例、女15例,男女之比为1∶1。年龄分布在18~70岁之间,其中1995年前后有偿献血感染13例,1995年前后输血感染11例,阳性配偶感染2例,不洁性行为3例,接触者1例。职业构成以农民为主(86.67%)。结论:我中心艾滋病VCT门诊求询者HIV感染仍以1995年前后有偿献血者及受血者为主,应加强控制HIV感染从高危人群向普通人群传播、配偶间传播及母婴传播,尽快制定具体干预措施。     

Effect of a national disaster on blood supply and safety: the September 11 experience

CONTEXT: An understanding of characteristics of blood donors donating in times of crisis may help predict blood supply safety and donor return patterns. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the volume of donations and prevalence of infectious disease markers in blood donated by US donors responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and to evaluate return rates in those who donated for the first time. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks starting with September 11, 2001, and the corresponding 8-week period in 2000. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 327065 volunteer blood donors making 373628 allogeneic donations at 5 large regional US blood centers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in number of donations overall and by first-time and repeat status, prevalence of infectious disease markers, estimated risks of transfusion-transmitted viral infections, and first-time donor return rates. RESULTS: About 20000 allogeneic donations were collected weekly in the 4 weeks preceding September 11, whereas approximately 49 000 (2.5-fold increase) and approximately 26000 to 28000 (1.3-fold to 1.4-fold increases) donations were made per week in the first and in the second through fourth weeks starting with September 11, respectively. All demographic groups donated more than usual after the attacks, and after adjusting for seasonal and annual variation there was a 5.2-fold (95% confidence interval, 5.0-5.4) increase in the number of first-time donations vs a 1.5-fold (1.4-1.5) increase in the number of repeat donations made in the first week starting on September 11 vs the 4 weeks before. The weekly proportion of repeat donors returning after not donating for 10 or more years increased from 2% before September 11 to 6% in the first week starting with September 11. Donations confirmed positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B surface antigen nearly tripled between 1 week before September 11 (0.1%) and 1 week after the attacks (0.3%), largely explained by the increase in first-time and lapsed repeat donors. Estimated viral residual risks increased slightly after the attacks (HIV, 1/1.5 million vs 1/1.8 million donations; HCV, 1/1.3 million vs 1/1.6 million; hepatitis B virus, 1/140000 vs 1/170000). First-time donor 12-month return rates for 2000 and 2001 were similar, approximately 28% (P =.37) for donors in the first week starting with September 11 (or September 12, 2000) and 30% (P =.69) for the second to fourth weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The September 11 events resulted in an influx of first-time donors without substantial increase in absolute risk of transfusion-transmissible viral infections. First-time donor return rates were equally relatively low before and after the attacks, suggesting that those donating in times of crisis have return behaviors similar to those of other first-time donors. Their relatively low return rates reinforce the need for education about the importance of donating regularly.     

Donor blood procurement and the risk of transfusion transmissible viral infections in a tertiary health facility in South-South Nigeria

Background:

Blood and blood products are scarce commodities. The demand often outweighs the supply. This study is directed at investigating the blood procurement sources and the risk of viral transfusion transmissible infection.

Materials and Methods:

The records of the blood transfusion unit of a tertiary health facility in south-south Nigeria were studied. The procurement and screening records from 1 January to 31 December 2009 were analyzed.

Results:

7,552 donor records were analyzed, 6,931 were commercial donor and 621 replacement donors. 891 commercial donors were infected, 500 (7.2%) were HIV positive, 323 (4.7%) HBV positive, 42 (0.6%) had HIV and HBV co-infection, while 28 (0.4%) were HCV positive. Twenty-three replacement donors were infected, 16 (2.6%) were HIV positive, 6 (1%) were HBV positive, while 1 (0.2%) were HCV positive. None of the replacement donors had co-infection. The risk of infection was significantly higher with commercial donor procurement (X2=45.07, P<0.001, OD=3.845).

Conclusion:

Commercial blood donors are still the major source of blood to the hospital and they also have the highest prevalence of transfusion transmissible viral infections in this region thus constitute a major risk transmitting infections to potential recipients.     

2006-2011年南京市无偿献血者HIV感染的调查分析

目的分析2006~2011年南京市无偿献血者人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）感染情况。方法对2006~2011年436 672名无偿献血者血液标本采用ELISA法进行抗-HIV/HIV-P24初筛检测,初筛有反应性标本送疾病预防控制中心进行确证检测。结果 436 672例无偿献血者中抗-HIV/HIV-24初筛有反应性543例,确证阳性43例;抗-HIV/HIV-P24与HBsAg、TP感染分别为1例和9例。结论南京地区无偿献血者HIV感染率较低,但呈上升趋势,且已从高危人群向普通人群扩散。     

HIV经输血传播的防范与献血跟踪策略

目的探索预防窗口期献血者导致输血传播HIV的方法.方法分析HIV感染窗口期的特点;论证献血跟踪策略（即血站采血后并不立即发出,而是将血液储存起来,并跟踪献血者自献血之日起到1个窗口期之后的1次HIV检验结果,只有跟踪结果阴性才能确认所采血液合格,否则不能发出.）的优越性.结果无法通过革新检测技术来消除HIV感染窗口期;病毒灭活技术也不能完全避免HIV经输血传播;献血跟踪策略的实施需要依赖血液长期保存技术、献血者的理解支持和法规政策的许可,而且会花费更多的检测费用和血液存储成本.但是,这一策略的实施,不仅可以掐断HIV经输血传播的渠道,还可以杜绝HCV、HBV等病原体经输血传播.结论献血跟踪策略是预防窗口期献血者导致输血传播HIV的有效方法,必然会赢得献血者和政策制定部门的支持.     

Hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) in blood donors and family members seropositive for anti-HCV antibodies

BACKGROUND: Non-A, non-B virus is responsible for 75-90% of all cases of blood transfusion-related hepatitis. The aim of this work was to determine hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) in a group of blood donors and their household contacts. Serotype and genotype of the isolates were also studied. METHODS: HCV antibodies were investigated in 44,588 blood donors with a commercial immunoassay. Forty-four seropositive donors and 72 household members were further studied. Quantitative analysis of viral RNA was performed with Amplicor HCV 2.0 test, while genotype was determined by INNO-LiPA test and serotype with Murex HCV test. RESULTS: Among the 44,588 donors studied, 333 (0.74%) were positive for anti-HCV. Viral RNA was found in 35 (80%) of the 44 seropositive cases studied. Among the 72 household members, HCV antibodies were detected in six (8.3%) and HCV-RNA in four of these individuals. Serotype 1 and genotype 1 were the most frequent types detected (48 and 64%, respectively). The genotype in the blood donor matched that of his seropositive family member in four of six cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that intrafamilial transmission of HCV may occur and we stress the need to study household members of seropositive blood donors, as they have a high risk of infection. In this community, genotype 1 is the most prevalent type in blood donors and family members.     

Seroprevalence of sexually transmitted infections among accepted and deferred blood donors in Jamaica

Critical donor selection and testing increases the safety of blood transfusion by excluding donors at risk of transmitting infections. This study investigated the seroprevalence of and risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among accepted and deferred blood donors in Jamaica. A total of 1015 blood donors consisting of 794 (78%) accepted donors and 221 (22%) deferred donors presenting at the Central Blood Bank, Jamaica, over a six-month period, were recruited for this study. A standardized questionnaire was administered to each participant and a sample of blood obtained for detection of hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies to Treponema pallidum, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type-1 (HTLV-1). Deferred donors were three times more likely to be seropositive for STI than accepted donors (16.3% vs 5.2%, OR 3.57, 95% CI 2.16 - 5.90, p < 0.0001). Males had significant association between STI seropositivity and having fathered children with two or more women (p = 0.0085), unprotected sexual intercourse with several persons (p = 0.0326), and history of genital herpes (p = 0.0121). Significant risk factors identified among females were unprotected sex with several partners (p = 0.0385); having more than ten lifetime partners (p = 0.0105); and use of depoprovera (p = 0.0028). This study confirms higher rates of STI among deferred blood donors and supports the donor deferral system in Jamaica.     

What happens to donated blood?

Pursuing their chief work--gathering, processing and distributing blood--the blood donor centres of the Canadian Red Cross Society follow standard operating procedures like those in place at the Ottawa centre. Here, recruitment staff and volunteers work to recruit donors to meet needs at a time when the number of donors is falling. When they register, donors must show proof of identity. Each receives a permanent identification number that is linked to the numbers assigned to the units of blood each donates and to the date the unit was collected and the centre that collected it. Donors must answer questions about health and high-risk activity, and the blood of those who report high-risk activity is not accepted. Units are screened by automated instruments for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HIV types 1 and 2, and human T-cell leukemia virus. Units with a negative test result are broken down into components for use in hospitals. A reactive test result prompts quarantining of the unit and a second screening test. If this test result is also reactive, a sample of the unit is sent to the National Testing Laboratory for confirmatory testing, and the unit is discarded. Once it has the results of the confirmatory test, the centre contacts the donor. Blood is now considered a drug. Red Cross practices in Canada and around the world have been changing since 1989 to reflect this.     

基于HIV检测分析对无偿献血人群HIV筛查策略及归队的探讨

目的 对陕西省域内无偿献血者进行人类免疫缺陷病毒（human immunodeficiency virus,HIV）检测,分析省域内无偿献血人群HIV流行情况,以期为制定适宜的血液筛查策略和献血者归队方法提供数据与理论依据。方法 选定有区域代表性的陕西省西安市、延安市与安康市3家中心血站的无偿献血者血液样本进行2种四代酶联免疫吸附试验（enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA）和病毒核酸检测（nucleic acid testing,NAT）HIV,将所有检测呈反应性的样本进行确证试验。结果 对290 341例无偿献血者进行HIV筛查,总计352例初检结果为不合格（含1例ELISA^-/NAT⁺有反应性）,筛查反应率0.12%;所有样本送至属地市疾控中心检测,最终确证阳性11例（含核酸检测阳性1例）,确证阳性符合率3.79/10万。结论 陕西省域内无偿献血者中HIV阳性符合率低,提示目前无偿献血者HIV的血液筛查策略有待改进,同时也为献血者归队提供一定的理论支持。     

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.     

Epidemiologic study on human immunodeficiency virus infection among children in a former paid plasma donating community in China

Background Illegal plasma collecting activities in mid 1990s caused a large number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in rural areas of central-eastern China. Although most of these activities have been stopped, there were few reports on secondary transmission from infected former plasma donors to their spouses and from infected mothers to their children. This study was to determine the extent of HIV infections among young children in a rural community with a large proportion of plasma donors. Methods A survey was conducted among children aged under 7 years in a former plasma donating community in September 2000: finger blood was collected for HIV antibody testing. Another survey was repeated among children aged under 8 years and their families in the same community in April 2001: urine samples were collected for HIV testing. HIV positive children and samples of HIV negative children, whose mothers were positive based on 2001 survey, were followed up until September 2002 to investigate HIV seroconversion, disease progression and HIV strain analysis. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on children‘s delivery, breast feeding, medical history and their parents‘ commercial blood donation history and HIV status. Results Among 169 children surveyed in 2000, 10 (5.9%) were HIV positive. Of 224 children, 11 were positive in 2001. The overall prevalence rate in the two surveys was 5.0% (17/337) when counting 56 repeated children only once. Of children born to HIV positive mothers, 28.9% were infected. A seroconversion rate of 2.5 per 100 child-years was observed by following up 28 HIV negative children. No statistically significant associations were found between children‘s HIV infection and their histories of blood transfusion, surgery, immunization injection or medical injections. All infections were HIV-1 subtype B‘ strain, the average dispersion rate is 7.4%. DNA sequence analysis showed a close relationship between the seroconverted children and their infected mothers. Conclusions HIV vertical transmissions in the rural former plasma donating community was significant. Intervention measures should be taken to prevent further transmission. It was estimated that the HIV spread in this community occurred in 1994 or even earlier. Many infected people are developing AIDS now: treatment and care are urgently needed for these sick people.     

Transmission of hepatitis B virus by artificial insemination

Although the capacity for transmission of hepatitis B infection by semen is well recognized, the potential for transmission by artificial insemination remains theoretical. Currently, screening of semen donors for hepatitis B virus infection is not standard practice. We saw a case of acute viral hepatitis B in a woman following artificial insemination with semen from a donor subsequently found to be positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Both the donor serum and semen contained HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen, and the HBsAg subtype was identical to that of the patient. Documentation of hepatitis B virus transmission by artificial insemination indicates that HBsAg screening of semen donors should be routine practice.     

AIDS in obstetric practice

After a brief review of the AIDS virus, its transmission, and clinical aspects, the obstetric implications of HIV infections for a developing country like India are summarized. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is transmissible in utero with a 66% risk of infecting the fetus, and may cause intrauterine growth retardation or prematurity. HIV positive pregnant women may become immunosuppressed, so they should be offered pregnancy termination. A woman in labor infected with HIV should be managed like a woman with hepatitis B: intrauterine catheters, fetal scalp electrodes, and fetal blood sampling are contraindicated. Forceps and episiotomy should be used only if needed. Cesarean section to prevent intrapartum infection of the fetus is controversial. While breastfeeding is allowed, breast milk should not be donated to other infants. Nursing staff should be informed that HIV is much less transmissible than hepatitis.     

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