SERO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF HEPATITIS B, C, HIV AND TREPONEMA PALLIDUM AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN HODEIDA CITY- YEMEN
Infections transmitted in blood transfusions are the most significant concern associated with blood donation. The purpose of this study was to establish the current prevalence of hepatitis viruses (B and C), HIV and T.pallidium among blood donors at National Blood Transfusion and Research Center (NBTRC) Hodeida Branch, Hodeida city, Yemen. Serological markers of HBV, HCV, HIV 1, 2, T. pallidium antibodies were studied in 25446 (males) using commercially available kits, over a period of 3 years from January 2016 to April 2018 at National Blood Transfusion and Research Center (NBTRC) Hodeida Branch , Hodeida city, Yemen. Also, the prevalence of confirmed-positive test results of these infections was evaluated among different ages. The sero-prevalence of HBV and HCV, HIV, T. pallidium infections based on confirmation tests, were 0.74%, 0.19%, 0.38% and 0.18% respectively. The prevalence of HBV was significantly higher in age groups 37-46 years and 47-56 years with significant associated OR equal to 2.3 (p<0.001) and OR=2.7 (p=0.02) respectively. The prevalence of HCV was significantly higher in age groups 47-56 years with significant associated OR equal to 6.5 (p=0.003). The prevalence of T.pallidium was significantly higher in age group 37-46 years with significant associated OR equal to 3.6 (p<0.001). In conclusion: this study highlights the prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and T. pallidium among different male ages. The prevalence varies from one age group to another, being the lowest among younger and very older age groups. Therefore, extensive recruitment of young donors should help ensure a long-term increase in the blood supply without jeopardizing safety.