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