Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections among Blood Donors Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital of Western Odisha

BACKGROUND Blood transfusion is an important lifesaving intervention, but it poses the risk of transmission of different infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum (causing syphilis) and Plasmodium spp. (causing malaria) to the recipient. Seroprevalence of different transfusion transmitted infection (TTI) among blood donors is an indirect measure of these infections in the community. This study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of different TTIs in blood donors attending blood bank of a tertiary care hospital of Western Odisha. METHODS 12,241 samples over 8 years from both voluntary and replacement donors were processed for HBsAg, HCV, HIV by ELISA method and for syphilis by RPR test, for malaria by rapid card test. Positive samples were confirmed by PCR method for HBsAg, HCV, HIV and by TPHA test for Syphilis and by peripheral smear study for malaria. All the positive samples were rejected for transfusion and the seroreactive blood donors were sent to appropriate department for treatment. RESULTS Among 12241 samples 0.96% (118/12241) samples were positive for TTI. 2.70% (328/12241) were voluntary donors and 1.87% (229/12241) were female donors. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and malaria were 0.62, 0.044%, 0.073%, 0.1% and 0.12% respectively. Hepatitis B showed significant decrease of annual prevalence over 8 years. CONCLUSIONS Seroprevalence of TTI was lower compared to other studies of India. Highest seroprevalence was seen in hepatitis B. Awareness about hepatitis B vaccination should be increased in that area. Voluntary blood donation and female participation should be encouraged in that area.