Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors in a newly established medical college of Eastern India

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Blood transfusion is essential for saving lives in millions of patients. However, blood transfusion also carries the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) if not properly screened. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : To study the seroprevalence of TTI among blood donors in a blood bank with special emphasis on hepatitis B and hepatitis C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective descriptive study for 5 years from January 2016 to December 2020. Data of all blood donors both voluntary and involuntary were analyzed to find out seroprevalence of TTIs. RESULTS: Total 43775 donors were screened, and their data were analyzed. Out of these, total 182 (0.42%) donors were found to be seropositive for TTIs. Most of the donors were positive for hepatitis B (n = 122, 0.28%) and hepatitis C (n = 51; 0.12%); however, no donor was found to be positive for malaria. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found a low prevalence rate of TTIs among blood donors. It may be due to effective screening and selection of donors as well as awareness among general public. Strict screening and regular testing are essential to keep blood transfusion safe and free from TTIs.