ABSTRACT
Background: Transfusion-transmissible infectious agents such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis are among the greatest threats to blood safety for the recipient. This study aimed to determine the sero prevalence and risk factors among blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Service, Lokoja.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out over a 4-month period (November - February, 2012). A total of 383 voluntary non remunerated blood donors who donated at the National Blood Transfusion Service, Lokoja within the study period participated. Screening for TTI markers was done using ELISA Kits. Statistical analysis was computed using SPSS 17 package. The results were subjected to analysis using cross tabulations to explore statistical relationships between variables. Chi square test was used to explore proportional relationship between groups. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 (providing 95% confidence interval).
Results: From the total of 383 consecutive blood donors, 73 (19.1%) had serological evidence of infection with at least one pathogen and 3 (0.78%) had multiple infections. The overall seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis was 2.6%, 15.7%, 1.6%, and 0% respectively. The highest donors are in the age group of 20 -29 years. Among those with multiple infections, the most common combinations were HIV - HBV 2 (0.52%) and HCV - HBV 1 (0.26%). The seropositivity of HIV was significantly increased among male blood donors, repeat donors, the married, civil servants and age group of 40 -49 years. Significantly increased HBV seropositivity was observed among civil servants, first time donors, male donors and age groups of 30 – 39 years. There was no detected case of syphilis. Risk factors identified with the TTIs are sharing of tooth brush and having hair cut with mobile locale barbers.
Conclusions: A substantial proportion of the blood donors harbour HIV, HBV and HCV infections. Strict selection of blood donors and comprehensive screening of donors’ blood using standard methods are highly recommended to ensure the safety of blood for recipient.
Key words: Transfusion-transmissible infections, prevalence, blood donors, Kogi, NBTS.
