Prevalence of Transfusion Transmissible Infections in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Millions of lives are saved each year through blood transfusion. Nevertheless, blood unscreened for transfusion transmissible infections (TTI) is a major public health problem. The prevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis among blood donors reflect the status in the community hence the need for this study. A total of 108 donors comprising 11 family replacement donors, 32 voluntary donors and 65 paid donors were tested for antibodies to HIV, HBsAg, HCV and, syphilis using rapid serological screening methods. Among the 108 blood donors screened at the Madonna University Teaching Hospital (MUTH) Elele, the prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HCV were 5.6%, 4.6% and 2.8%, respectively. All of the subjects tested negative to syphilis. The percentage positive based on the donor source was 4.6%, 4.6% and 0.9% for HIV, HBsAg and HCV, respectively among the paid donors, 1% for HIV among the voluntary donor and 1.9% for HCV among the family replacement donors. The prevalence rate for HIV and HBsAg co-infection was 0.9% as only one donor tested positive to both. Blood donors in MUTH Elele are relatively safe but efforts should be intensified in ensuring maximum safety. This can be achieved by screen