Human immunodeficiency virus in patients with sickle cell anaemia in Jos: The role of blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is an important therapeutic intervention in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Persons with SCA requiring repeated blood transfusions are at risk of contracting transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Blood meant for transfusion is usually screened for TTIs to ascertain its safety before transfusion. The study investigated the role of blood transfusion in the spread of HIV among patients with sickle cell anaemia and effectiveness of the screening methods used to prevent HIV acquisition through blood transfusion in Jos. Consenting consecutive patients with sickle cell anaemia attending the Haematology clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital between November, 2013 and July, 2014 had their blood samples screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after completing a questionnaire. One hundred and eleven (111) SCA patients aged between 17 and 52 years participated. Seventy six (68.5%) had history of blood transfusion while thirty five (31.5%) had no previous blood transfusion. Nine (8.1%) of them were positive for HIV, which comprised of 3 (8.6%) of the non-transfused and 6 (7.9%) of the transfused (p = 0.911). Blood transfusion though an important risk factor for acquisition of HIV infection, did not play a significant role in this study. Current pre transfusion HIV screening techniques were effective but further improvement in the safety of blood supply can be assured through the use of highly sensitive HIV screening methods and newer technologies.    Key words: Sickle cell anaemia, HIV, blood transfusion.