Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry

Abstract

Introduction: Although significant strides have happened in making blood transfusions safe, with each transfusion, there is a chance to transmit transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI), namely viral, bacterial, parasitic, and prions. The primary objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of the five mandatorily to be tested TTI's in India among blood donors at our center. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, from August 2015 to February 2017. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was done for HIV, HCV, HBsAg/hepatitis B surface antigen, and rapid plasma reagin test was done for syphilis. Rapid card testing was done for malaria. Results: There were a total of 28,380 donors during the study period. In the present study, the overall seroprevalence of TTI's was 3.06%. The individual seropositivity rates were 0.30% for HIV, 2.15% for HBsAg, 0.51% for HCV, and 0.08% for syphilis. There was no case of malaria diagnosed in the study period. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of TTI in Puducherry was similar to those reported elsewhere in the country. It was comparable to the national average with regard to HIV and HCV, higher for HBV and much lesser for syphilis.