Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections HIV, HBV, and HCV among blood donors in Derna, Libya

Abstract

Blood transfusion is the process of receiving blood products in a variety of medical conditions. To ensure the safety and efficacy of the blood supply and that any adverse outcome are dealt with on time and efficiently, strict procedures must be followed. Transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) are a major problem associated with blood transfusion. Although the risk of TTIs is lower than ever, the supply of blood products remains subject to contamination with known and yet to be identified pathogens. The aim of this study is to investigate the seroprevalence of TTIs (HIV, HBV and HCV) among the healthy blood donors in Derna hospital. This study may help in a way to establish a good strategy for the blood donation system in Derna city/Libya. A retrospective analysis of blood donor’s records covering the period between 2015 and 2016 was conducted to analyse for seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV among blood donors. The number of donors among two years was 5941. Males formed the majority of the donor population accounting for 5923 (99.7 %). The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was the majority of infection and found to be (0.4 %), followed by anti-HCV(0.3%) while the prevalence of HIV was found to be ( 0.0001%) over period time of study. The present study clearly documents low seroprevalence 43/5941 (0.7%) of TTIs, highest prevalence of TTIs was within age group <30 years which found to be the most common age group of donors. Our study showed high prevalence of HBV compared to the other viral markers and also showed low female participation. This study, which is the first to measure the risks of TTIs in Derna city, Libya, discloses the need to implemented more precaution measures, stringent donors selection criteria and screening strategies to improve transfusion safety in the region.