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Abstract
Background
Transfusion-transmitted infections pose a major threat to the safety of patients receiving blood transfusions, creating significant challenges in maintaining a supply of safe and affordable blood products, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors and to analyze the demographic characteristics of both reactive and non-reactive donors.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Orthopedic and General Hospital, Bahawalpur, from January to December 2023. A total of 300 healthy voluntary blood donors were screened for HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria using Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) kits method.
Result
Among the 300 blood donors screened, 30 (10%) were reactive for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), with overall prevalence rates of 5.0% for anti-HCV, 3.3% for HBsAg, and 1.7% for syphilis, while no HIV or malaria cases were detected. Statistically significant associations were observed between HBsAg reactivity and gender (p = 0.006), age group 19–30 years (p = 0.022), and blood group B⁺ (p = 0.035). Similarly, anti-HCV positivity showed significant correlations with gender (p = 0.003) and education level (p = 0.012), indicating higher infection rates among males and literate donors. Syphilis was detected in a small proportion of donors, no significant associations were found with demographic variables (p > 0.05). Overall, TTIs were more prevalent among young (19–30 years), male, literate, and first-time donors, particularly those with B⁺ and O⁺ blood groups.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated the sero-prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) among blood donors, with the highest prevalence observed for HCV, followed by HBV, syphilis, HIV, and malaria. These findings highlight the need for stringent donor selection, promotion of voluntary blood donations, and comprehensive screening of donor blood for TTIs using standardized methods to ensure the safety of blood recipients.