Sero-prevalence of immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C and syphilis among blood donors at ElObeid Teaching Hospital, West Sudan

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs), namely immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C and syphilis among blood donors. Setting: The study was carried in the blood bank at ElObeid Teaching Hospital. Material and methods: The study included 260 blood donor. Informed consent was obtained from each. Personal and socio-demographic data, information about risk factors such as blood transfusion, sexual partners, intravenous drug usage, tattooing and past history of jaundice all were included in a well designed questionnaire. Screening of blood samples for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Treponema pallidum antibodies were done using immunochromatographic (ICT) strips. Result: The study included 260 blood donor. All were males. The screening result for antibodies against HIV and Treponema pallidum was positive in 2 (0.8%) and 40 (15%) donors respectively. HBsAg was detected in 26 (10%) donors. Screening result for antibodies against hepatitis C virus was negative in all samples. Conclusion: This study showed that the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and syphilis was high in our study population. This mandates very strict criteria for selection of blood donors and also methods of laboratory assays for detection of infectious agents must be improved. On the other hand indications for blood transfusion should be restricted.