PREVALENCE OF HUMAN IMMUNO DEFICIENCY VIRUS ( HIV) MICROFILARIAL WORM, HEPATITIS B , HEPATITIS C AND VDRL IN PROSPECTIVE DONORS IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

Exposure to blood-borne infections among prospective blood donors is a significant public health concern globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Transfusion Transmissible Infections (HIV, HBV, HCV, VDRL and Microfilaria) infections among blood donors in Benin City Metropolis. A total of 161 blood donors were recruited for this study. Screening for TTIs was conducted serologically using Rapid Diagnostic kits for HIV, HBV, HCV and VDRL and thin blood film with Giemsa staining for Microfilaria. Statistical analyses was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16.0. Results revealed that out of the 161 donors examined, 9 were positive for HCV (prevalence: 5.6%), 30 for HBV (18.6%), 11 for VDRL (6.8%), 14 for Microfilaria (8.7%), and 5 for HIV (3.1%). The highest prevalence rate was observed in HBV infections, while the lowest was in HIV. Analysis based on age groups showed varying prevalence rates among different age brackets. Notably, the age group of 20–24 years had the highest number of donors, with varying prevalence rates for different infections. Furthermore, the study found that 152 (94.4%) of the recruited donors were male, while 9 (5.6%) were female. Result showed that there was no significant association (p=0.2991) between age range and the TTI examined. There was no significant association (p>0.999) between male and female blood donor. Although there was no significant association between male and female donors, male donors exhibited higher frequencies of TTIs compared to female donors. Male donors had the highest frequency of infections across all TTI categories. In conclusion, this study highlights the prevalence of TTIs among prospective blood donors in Benin City Metropolis. The findings indicate the importance of continuous screening and monitoring of blood donors to ensure the safety of blood transfusions. Efforts should be intensified to promote awareness, prevention, and control measures to mitigate the spread of blood-borne infections in the community.