Pre-and post-donation ferritin level of blood donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Donor Clinic in Southern Nigeria

While trying to save the patient via blood transfusion, the safety of the blood donor is paramount. This study evaluated the pre-and post-donation ferritin and packed cell volume (PCV) of donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.Method: The study adopted descriptive longitudinal approach. A total of 18 donors with age range of 18 ­48years were enrolled and followed up for 30 days post-donation. The serum ferritin was analyzed using ELISA method while the PCV was analyzed using the microhematocrit method. Difference between means was performed using repeated measure ANOVA while post hoc was done using Bonferroni adjustment. Prediction of return to baseline values were performed using logistic regression. Alpha value was placed at 0.05 There was a decline in ferritin and packed cell volume from pre-to post-donation. The decline in ferritin was imminent until day 14 when recovery was initiated. Significant difference was observed between the pre-donation ferritin and the rest of the days except day 30. There was also a decline in PCV from pre-donation all through with recovery noticeable after day 7. The PCV of the pre-donation was only comparable to the day 30 post-donation. Approximately 5.6% (n=1) of the subjects was iron deficient pre-donation.Approximately 25% (n=4) of the subject have returned to baseline PCV while 0% of the subjects have returned to baseline ferritin at day 30 post-donation.Conclusion: For the safety of the donor, donation interval should be widened, and iron supplement followed up

Risque de transmission de certains arbovirus à travers le don de sang à Bamako / Risk of transmission of certain arbovirus through blood donation in the city of Bamako

Introduction. Au Mali, le dépistage de certains virus tels que la dengue, Zika et la fièvre de la vallée du Rift n'est pas systématique au centre national de transfusion sanguine (CNTS). Le risque peut être considérable en raison de leurs courtes périodes de virémie asymptomatique dans la population dont l'incidence est variable et parfois extrêmement élevée. Cette étude avait pour objectif d'explorer la possibilité de transmission de certains arbovirus à travers le don de sang au CNTS de Bamako. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, de juillet 2019 à juin 2020 à Bamako. Au total deux cents (200) donneurs de sang du CNTS ont été inclus. Les examens ont été réalisés au Centre d'Infectiologie Charles Mérieux (CICM) de Bamako avec le dépistage du génome des virus responsables de la Dengue, de la fièvre de la Vallée du Rift, et du Zika à l'aide de la technique de la RT-PCR en temps réel. Le Test de Dépistage Rapide (TDR) a été utilisé pour la détection des anticorps IgG et IgM spécifiques de la Dengue. Résultats. Le sexe masculin représente 84% (168/200). Le TDR a détecté 4,5% (9/200) de Dengue IgG positifs et aucun cas de Dengue IgM positif. La technique de RT-PCR n'a détecté aucun des trois virus. Conclusion. Cette étude prouve que le risque de transmission de certains arbovirus à travers le don de sang existe, mais il semble être minime au CNTS de Bamako

Background. In Mali, screening for certain viruses such as dengue, Zika, and Rift Valley fever is not systematic at the national blood transfusion center (CNTS). The risk can be considerable due to their short periods of asymptomatic viremia in the population with variable and sometimes extremely high incidence. The objective of this study was to explore the possibility of transmission of certain arboviruses through blood donation at the CNTS of Bamako. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study, from July 2019 to June 2020 in Bamako. A total of two hundred (200) blood donors from the CNTS were included. The examinations were performed at the Centre d'Infectiologie Charles Mérieux (CICM) in Bamako with the screening of the genome of viruses responsible for Dengue, Rift Valley fever, and Zika using the real-time RT-PCR technique. The Rapid Screening Test (RST) was used for the detection of Dengue-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Results. Male sex represented 84% (168/200). The RDT detected 4.5% (9/200) of IgG positive Dengue and no IgM positive Dengue cases. The RT-PCR technique did not detect any of the three viruses. Conclusion. This study proves that the risk of transmission of certain arboviruses through blood donation exists, but it seems to be minimal at the CNTS of Bamako.

Blood donor app usage behaviour and perceptions: Considerations for a blood donation app

Background: South Africa often experiences critically low blood stock levels, making it vulnerable to blood shortages for everyday use and during times of crisis. There are over 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide and, during 2019, app downloads were estimated at 204 billion. Considering that at least 51% of South Africans own a smartphone that can access the Internet and apps, it is clear that blood donation organisations in South Africa could benefit from engaging with the public through a mobile app. Objectives: This article aimed to determine whether South African blood donors' app usage behaviour and perceptions were conducive to introduce a blood donation app, and what these behaviours and perceptions could reveal, to support South African Blood Donation Organisations in their recruitment and engagement endeavours. Method: The research problem discussed in this article sought to highlight the app usage behaviour of blood donors, and their perceptions about a proposed blood donation app. Forming part of a larger sequential mixed-methods study, the data presented in this article were gathered through a quantitative online questionnaire involving 2154 South Africans respondents. Results: The findings revealed that the majority of respondents owned a smart device and that they used apps falling within the 'Communication' category. Of the respondents, 41% believed that a blood donation app will encourage younger South Africans to donate blood more regularly, whilst 25% of respondents were of the opinion that an app will motivate all South Africans to donate blood more often. Conclusion: The value of this research lies in the insight gained into the behaviour and perceptions of South African blood donors, which can inform the conceptualisation and design of a blood donation app, thereby improving its efficacy and subsequently supporting the strategy of employing such a technology to increase blood donation.

Sero-molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus in Blood Donors, Gezira State, Sudan: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a hepatotropic pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in humans. It is an important causative agent of viral hepatitis outbreaks. This study investigates the serological and molecular prevalence of HEV in blood donors attending the Central Blood Bank in Wad Medani City in Gezira State, Sudan. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data concerning demographic information and risk factors associated with HEV transmission. All enrolled participants (N = 300) were screened for HEV IgG antibodies using commercial ELISA kits, then strong positive samples (N = 84) were selected and rescreened for HEV IgM and HEV RNA by RT PCR. SPSS version 24.0 was used for analysis. Results: Out of 300 male participants, 36.3% (109/300) were positive for HEV IgG. However, only one participant was IgM positive, while the HEV RNA was negative. The highest prevalence rates of the virus were 42 (44.6%) among the age group of 31­40 years, 20 (48.8%) in those who consumed food from outside, 13 (50%) in three to four multiple blood donations, and 5 (62.5%) in those who consumed water from the river source. A significant association of HEV IgG prevalence concerning the occupation of the participants being students or farmers was detected using univariate and multivariate analysis (P-value = 0.007).

Prévalence de l'hépatite virale B chronique à Bangui et Bimbo en République Centrafricaine: cas des donneurs bénévoles réguliers non éligibles pour les dons de sang / Prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis B in Bangui and Bimbo in the Central African Republic: cases of regular voluntary donors not eligible for blood donations

Contexte & objectif. L'hépatite virale B (HVB) par son évolution peut déboucher vers la guérison ou vers une forme chronique qui est très peu documentée chez les donneurs bénévoles de sang (DBS). L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer la prévalence de l'HVB chronique. Méthodes. L'étude réalisée au Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine de Bangui était rétrospective et portait sur les données de contrôle sérologique des DBS de Bimbo et de Bangui, capitale de la République centrafricaine (RCA). L'échantillonnage exhaustif concerne la période de juillet 2013 à décembre 2019. Le DBS est porteur d'une infection chronique si l'antigène de surface de l'HVB persiste pendant plus de six mois. Le test de Chi carré de Pearson au seuil de 5 % et l'odd ratio (OR) ont été utilisés comme test d'association. Résultats. Les données de contrôle sérologique de 702 DBS âgés de 18 à 62 ans ont été analysées. Le sexe masculin était prépondérant (n=598). La prévalence de l'HVB chronique était de 70,5 %. Cette prévalence était plus élevée chez les DBS de 25 à 34 ans (30,4 %), les hommes (58,8 %) et les DBS qui résident à Bangui (61,2 %). La forme chronique était significativement associée au jeune âge (18 à 44 ans) et au sexe masculin (p< 0,05). La coïnfection par le VIH et l'hépatite C était retrouvée dans 5,5 % des cas (39/702). Conclusion. La prévalence de l'HVB chronique est très élevée chez les DBS de Bangui et Bimbo. La forme chronique était significativement associée à l'âge et au sexe. La gratuité de la charge virale et du traitement antiviral sont des perspectives à mettre en œuvre

Context and objective. Viral hepatitis B (VHB) by its evolution can lead to recovery or to a chronic form. This chronic form, a source of new contaminations, is not documented among voluntary blood donors (VBD) in Bangui and Bimbo. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic VHB among VBD in the two cities in the Central African Republic (CAR). Methods. The study carried out at the Bangui National Blood Transfusion Center was retrospective and focused on serological control data from VBD from Bangui, capital of CAR and Bimbo. The exhaustive sampling is from July 2013 to December 2019. A VBD carries a chronic infection if the VHB surface antigen persists for more than six months. Results. Serological control data from 702 VBD aged 18 to 62 years were analyzed. Male sex predominated at inclusion (n = 598). The prevalence of chronic VHB was 70.5 %. This prevalence was higher among young VBD aged 25 to 34 years (30.4 %), the male gender (58.4 %) and VBD residing in Bangui (61.2 %). The chronic form was significantly associated with young age (18 to 44 years) and male sex (p< 5%). Co-infection with HIV and hepatitis C was found in 5.5 % of cases (39/702). Conclusion. The prevalence of chronic VHB is very high in VBD from Bangui and Bimbo. The chronic form was significantly associated with age and sex. Free viral load and antiviral treatment are prospects to be implemented.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria ­ A multi-facility study of 34 tertiary hospitals

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected blood supplies globally. Mobile blood drive campaigns halted, and voluntary blood donations reduced, challenging available blood supplies. Furthermore, fears of virus transmission led to deferrals of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical procedures with noticeable declines in blood donations and transfusions. Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of blood donations and transfusions across the country by blood product type across various hospital departments. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 34 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, comparing January to July 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January to July 2020 (peri-COVID-19). Data were collected from the country's web-based software District Health Information System, Version 2 (DHIS2). Results: A 17.1% decline in numbers of blood donations was observed over the study period, especially in April 2020 (44.3%), a 21.7% decline in numbers of blood transfusions, especially in April 2020 (44.3%). The largest declines in transfusion were noted in surgery department for fresh frozen plasma (80.1%) [p = 0.012] and accident and emergency department transfusion of platelets (78.3%) [p = 0.005]. The least decline of statistical significance was observed in internal medicine transfusions of whole blood (19.6%) [p = 0.011]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the numbers of blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria. Strengthening blood services to provide various blood components and secure safe blood supplies during public health emergencies is therefore critical.

Impact of COVID-19 on blood donation and supply in Africa

No abstract available

Valeurs de référence de l'hémogramme chez les donneurs de sang du Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine de Libreville

Introduction : les valeurs de référence peuvent être obtenues à partir des bases de données. Nous nous proposons de produire ces valeurs à partir d'une base de données hématologiques et de souligner les contraintes inhérentes à cette méthodologie. Matériel et méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective, réalisée du 1er janvier 2015 au 30 mars 2017, au Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine de Libreville. Les dossiers des donneurs, dont les sérologies (HIV, AgHBs, Ac HVC, VDRL et TPHA) étaient négatives ont été retenus. Les paramètres de l'hémogramme ont été notés pour chaque dossier. L'identification des valeurs aberrantes a été réalisée à l'aide de la méthode de Cook, la nature de la distribution a été étudiée grâce au test de normalité de Shapiro-Wilk. Les limites de référence à 95% et leurs intervalles de confiance à 90% ont été calculés. La recherche des partitions a été effectuée à l'aide du z-test. Les différences étaient considérées comme statistiquement significatives, pour une valeur de p inférieure à 0,05. Résultats: ce protocole a concerné 27022 dossiers, dont 2013 (7,4%) ont été exploités. L'intervalle de référence à 95% des leucocytes allait de 2,8.103 à 6,1.103/mm3, alors que celui des hématies allait de 4,3.106 à 5,3.106/mm3et celui des plaquettes de 129,7.103 à 258,0.103/mm3. De plus, les hématies allaient de 4,4.106 à 5,3.106/mm3chez les hommes contre 4,4.106 à 5,1.106/mm3pour les femmes de même tranche d'âge.Conclusion: la réalisation d'une telle étude nécessite une collaboration interdisciplinaire, une bonne tenue des bases de données et nous rappelle la primauté d'une différence biologique, par rapport à une différence statistique

Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Hohoe Municipality Hospital, Ghana: 2015-2016: a retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study

Introduction: unsafe blood remains a major threat to the global spread of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Blood is usually tested for four TTIs: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Syphilis before transfusion. This study determined the trends of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Ghana from 2015 to 2016. Methods: a total of 3,173 blood donor records were reviewed for the presence of anti-HIV 1/2 IgG/IgM, HBV, anti-HCV IgG/IgM, and anti-Treponema pallidum IgG/IgM/IgA, using commercial ELISA kits following standard protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 14.0 at the level 0.05 Results: seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis were 3.9% 5.0%, 4.2% and 5.2% respectively. Females were 30% less likely to be infected with Syphilis (OR=0.3; 95% CI: (0.15-0.69); p=0.004); donors aged 20-29 years were 60% less likely to be infected with HIV than those less than 20 years (OR=0.6; 95% CI: (0.04-0.99); p=0.049), while those aged 30-39 years were 90% more likely to be infected with Syphilis than those less than 20 years (OR=1.9; 95% CI: (1.23-3.20) p=0.005) and those aged 40-49 years were 2 times more likely to get infected with HBV than those less than 20 years (OR=2.2; 95% CI: (1.17-4.04)); p=0.013). Conclusion: males presented higher prevalence of Syphilis and all TTIs were recorded highest among young adults. It is important to continue screening donated blood with highly sensitive tests and to sensitize young adults, especially females on the importance of blood donation

The risk of transfusion transmitted malaria and the need for malaria screening of blood donors in Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Blood transfusion saves life but it is also a major risk factor in the transmission of certain infections such as malaria, which remains a public health problem in tropical and sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: This study investigated the prevalence of malaria among 550 blood donors aged 18 to 60 years from blood bank units of some selected hospitals in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, using gold standard microscopy for malaria parasite detection. Results: Two hundred and fifty two (45.8%) donors were positive for malaria parasites. Replacement donors had higher prevalence rate of malaria compared to voluntary donors. The distribution of infection on the basis of age revealed the highest prevalence rate of malaria among the 20- 29yrs age group. The rate of infection among the males and the females was not significantly different (p>0.05). No association was observed between the blood group types and the rate of malaria infection (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A high prevalence of malaria parasitaemia was observed among blood donors in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria in this study. The introduction of malaria screening as part of routine screening for blood donation and the provision of modern blood screening equipment within healthcare facilities are highly advocated

Serum Ferritin and Blood Pressure modulation in first-time and regular blood donors

Background:The health benefits ofblood donation are well known. However, the overall effect of long term regular blood donation on body iron store and blood pressure need to be evaluated among voluntary blood donors.Objective:To determine the effect of long term, regular blood donation onbody iron store and blood pressure amongregular voluntary non-remunerated blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods:Consenting adult blood donors (n = 320), ranging from the first time to regular blood donors were studied over six months. Supine blood pressure (BP) readings were taken twice at 30 minutes interval with a mercury sphygmomanometer. Venous whole blood was drawn into EDTA anti-coagulated and plain tubes for haematological parameters and serum ferritin estimation using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results:The mean serum ferritin levels declined significantly from 95.5ng/mL amongfirst time donors to 68.9ng/mL among Category IIIdonors (p = 0.035). Male voluntary blood donors had increased risk of low serum ferritin level (OR = 5.02; 95%CI= 1.12-22.51; p = 0.035). Lower values of serum ferritin were recorded more frequently among donors within the 21-30 year age category (OR = 1.54; 95%CI = 1.0-2.71; p= 0.042). Long term regular voluntary blood donation was associated with significant reduction in mean systolic blood pressure (p = 0.01).Conclusion:Long term blood donation resulted in the reduction of blood pressure. Progressive increase in the duration of donation resulted in reduced iron stores even as haemoglobin concentration levels remained acceptable for blood donation

Knowledge of blood donation among adults in north-central Nigeria

Background: About half of the population in Nigeria is medically fit for blood donation but only four in one thousand are voluntary donors. The low level of blood donation has been attributed to poor knowledge, misconceptions, myths, bias, poverty, fear, malnutrition among the population. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of blood donation among adults in two selected North Central States of Nigeria. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 3104 respondents comprising of adults between 18 and 60 years were involved in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used and the research tool was interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data generated were entered into the computer and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using EPI INFO computer software package (version 3.5.3). Pearson Chi Square (χ2) was used to test statistical significance and p-value was set at < 0.05. Results: Majority of the respondents 2565 (82.5%) knew that blood donation save lives. More than three-quarters, 2468 (79.5%), knew where to go for voluntary blood donation. About one-third, (37.1%), demonstrated good knowledge of voluntary blood donation. Older respondents (>60 years) had poor knowledge of blood transfusion compared with younger age groups (p<0.001). Respondents' occupation and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge of blood transfusion (p<0.001). Conclusion: Periodic awareness programme on voluntary blood donation in rural and urban areas across Nigeria is needed. In addition, sensitization of the informal sector on the significance of non-remunerated voluntary blood donation should be given priority

Evaluation de l'outil de sélection des candidats au don pour améliorer la qualité des produits dérivés de sang à l'Hôpital du Mali

Introduction : La sécurité transfusionnelle constitue un défi majeur dans les pays en développement. La sélection médicale est un élément essentiel dans la stratégie visant à réduire la transmission d'agents infectieux Mali. Dans ce travail nous avons évalué l'outil utilisé pour le screening pré-don dans l'unité de banque de sang de l'hôpital du Mali. Matériel et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective du 30 mars 2016 au 14 février 2017 incluant tous les candidats au don de sang. Après la sélection médicale, une qualification biologique a été réalisée au niveau du Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine notamment pour les 4 infections transmissibles obligatoires de l'OMS (VHB, VHC, VIH et Syphilis). Résultats : Au total, 726 candidats au don ont été inclus. La moyenne d'âge était de 30,72 ± 8,8 ans, compris entre 17 et 60 ans. Le sex-ratio H/F était : 8,48. Il s'agissait dans 83,5% des cas d'un don de compensation, 67% étaient à leur premier don. La sélection médicale a permis d'écarter 108 candidats pour des raisons diverses. Sur les 618 candidats retenus, 79 soit 12,8% des PSL n'étaient pas qualifiés pour la distribution pour VIH (0,3%), VHB (10,7%), VHC (1,8%), syphilis (0,3%) et co-infection VHB+VHC (0,3%). Conclusion : Cette étude nous a permis d'identifier quelques insuffisances de l'outil. Nous concluons que cet outil utilisé pour la sélection médicale doit être amélioré

Towards 2030 target for hepatitis B and C viruses elimination: assessing the validity of predonation rapid diagnostic tests versus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in state hospitals in Kaduna, Nigeria

ntroduction: Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 25% of the estimated global 325 million people with chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections. Weak blood transfusion systems facilitate the spread of both hepatitis B and C virus infections. This is worsened by the absence of sustainable quality assurance programs and perennial shortage of sensitive screening kits. We aim to compare the validity of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) with the World Health Organization-recommended quality-assured enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening method for these viruses. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on consecutive blood donor samples. Two hundred and sixty-four blood donor samples screened for hepatitis B and C viruses using RDTs were retested at a National blood transfusion service, Kaduna, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using OpenEpi version 3.01 to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of RDTs versus ELISA. Results: The sensitivities of the RDTs at 95% confidence interval (CI) were low ­ 40% (19.8­64.3) and 50.0% (18.8­81.2) ­ for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, respectively. The specificities and 95% CI were high ­ 99.9% (97.8­99.9) and 100.0% (98.5­100) for HBsAg and HCV antibody, respectively. Conclusion: Predonation RDTs screening of blood donor samples for hepatitis B virus and HCV in hospital donation units performed poorly compared to quality-assured ELISA screening in Kaduna. The risk of transmitting viral hepatitis through blood transfusion still exists. We recommend quality-assured ELISA screening of all donated units for HBsAg and HCV antibody to reduce the risk of these transfusion-transmitted infections

Prevalence and associated risk factors of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors at Regional Blood Transfusion Center Nakuru and Tenwek Mission Hospital, Kenya

Introduction: unsafe transfusion practices can put millions of people at risk of Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs). In Kenya the current blood transfusion scheme involves screening of blood for HIV, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis. Malaria is also a blood-borne disease which is not currently screened for. In Kenya blood donor selection criteria were reviewed in 2009. Regular review of effectiveness of donor selection criteria can help reduce TTIs prevalence amongst donors and thus make the blood supply safer.Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted between November 2011 to January 2012 among 594 blood donors in the Regional Blood Transfusion Center Nakuru and Tenwek Mission Hospital. Socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors were collected using a standard blood transfusion service questionnaire. Donors were obtained through systematic sampling. Each donor sample was screened, for HIV-1 and HIV-2, HBV, HCV, syphilis and malaria parasites.Results: the overall prevalence of TTIs was 14.1%, which ranged from 0.7% for malaria to 5.6% for HBsAg. Blood donors who were married (P=0.0057), had non-formal or just primary education (P=0.0262), had multiple sexual partners (P=0.0144) and in informal occupation (P=0.0176) were at higher risk of HIV positivity. History of blood transfusion/blood products (P=0.0055), being married (P=0.0053) were high risk factors associated with positive syphilis. Being male (P=0.0479) was a high risk factor to HBV infection. Conclusion: the prevalence of TTIs indicates a need to review the questionnaire and apply it strictly for donor selection. The 0.7% prevalence of malaria, poses a serious health risk to non-immune recipients of transfusion. Malaria should be included among mandatory TTI tests in Kenya

Assessment of ultrasound flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery in regular blood donors in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Iron is a pro-oxidant cofactor that may be linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression and reduction of body iron stores have been hypothesized to reduce the risk of CV disease. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess reduction in CVD risk susceptibility among regular blood donors compared with nondonors using ultrasound brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD). Settings and Design: A prospective comparative study designed to establish the difference between mean flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in the patients who are regular blood donors compared with nondonors recruited from a Teaching Hospital donor clinic. Materials and Methods: Data were collected over 7 months from December 2014 to June 2015. 100 eligible regular male blood donors, aged 21­50 years, were selected from a Teaching Hospital blood donor records and their BAFMD assessed. 50 nondonors/ first time donors, of equivalent age group, consecutively were assessed for comparison. Serum markers of iron stores, markers of oxidative stress and other related cardiac risk factors were also assessed in all patients. Results: BAFMD was significantly greater in regular blood donors when compared with nondonors (13.95% ± 7.02% vs. 8.20% ± 4.19%, P = 0.000). Serum ferritin was significantly decreased in regular blood donors when compared with nondonors (mean value 41.92 ng/ml ± 23.12 ng/ml vs. 61.97 ± 30.19 ng/ml, P = 0.000), but Hb did not differ between the groups. High FMD was significantly associated with high C-high-density lipoprotein and low C-LDL (r = −0.215*, P = 0.032, r = 0.188, P = 0.031, r = 0.193, P = 0.027, r = 0.0279, P = 0.002, r = 0.139, P = 0.084). LDL was decreased in regular blood donors compared with nondonors. Conclusion: The study provides prognostic information for assessing ultrasound BAFMD as a cardiac risk marker. Regular blood donors have enhanced cardiovascular function with increased flow-mediated dilation, decreased body iron stores, and decreased oxidative stress compared with nondonors

Knowledge and attitude of undergraduates towards blood donation: a cross sectional study of the University of Benin, Benin City

Background: Blood is an essential but scarce therapeutic element. The youth constitute an important age group that can contribute significantly to donor blood availability in health institutions. Their knowledge and attitude towards blood donation may influence their disposition to blood donation practices. Objective: The study seeks to determine the knowledge, attitude and blood donation practices among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. Methodolgy: This is a cross sectional study, conducted at the University of Benin, Benin City. Two hundred pretested questionnaires on knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation were distributed among consenting undergraduate students across different faculties of the university. Data was analyzed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS IBM) version 20. Result: A total of 155 (79.5%) males and 40 (20.5%) females (M:F of approximately 3.8:1) completed the questionnaires. Their modal age group was 16 ­ 20 years. Sixty eight (34.9%) had good knowledge of blood donation process, 43 (22.1%) had average knowledge and 84 (43.0%) had poor knowledge. Repeat donation rate was 11.3% among the respondent. The practice of blood donation was significantly associated with good knowledge of blood donation process (p = 0.001). Blood donation was higher in those between the age groups of 21 ­ 25 years. Conclusion: Good knowledge of blood transfusion is below average. Blood donation practices is low among undergraduate students of the University of Benin and there is high disposition to family replacement donation

Disproportionate HBsAg seroprevalence rates among healthy blood donors in six health care facilities in Sierra Leone, 2012-2016

Background: Viral hepatitis is a disease condition caused by five distinct types of hepatitis viruses including hepatitis B Virus (HBV). HBV causes a range of acute and chronic liver diseases that sometimes lead to death. There are about 400 million HBV infected people worldwide many of them in Asia and Africa where the infection is endemic. Methods: We collected and later analyzed anonymized laboratory results from blood banks at Connaught Hospital, PCMH, 34th Regiment Military Hospital, Aberdeen Women Hospital, Lumley Government Hospital and the Emergency Surgical Hospital of healthy blood donors. All persons whose data were used in this study were healthy blood donors between the ages of 18-55 years and had only gone to these blood bank facilities to donate blood. Results: Out of 43,163 persons screened for various blood infections, 6,564 persons were positive for HBsAg with a seroprevalence rate of 15.2% (95% CI: 14.87-15.55). There were 37,060 males tested and 6103 females tested and 5735 males (15.5%) and 829 females (13.6%) were positive for HBsAg. There was gender, yearly and health care facility difference (P<0.0001) for HBsAg seroprevalence cases recorded in this study. The highest HBsAg seroprevalence rate for the period under review was recorded in 2013. We observed disproportionate differences in HBsAg seroprevalence rates for gender, yearly and health care facility (P<0.0001) for the period under review. Conclusion: A seroprevalence of 15.2% among healthy volunteers indicate that HBV is a serious problem in Sierra Leone. There is a need for an urgent HBV vaccination coverage in Sierra Leone. A randomized population-based study with healthy volunteers is recommended for future seroprevalence studies on HBV

Intérêt du dosage de l'hémoglobine pré-don au Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine de Bamako

Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer la qualité de la sélection médicale des donneurs de sang par le dosage de l'hémoglobine pré-don.Nous avons mené de novembre 2012 à février 2013 une enquête transversale auprès de 2097 donneurs de sang du Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine de Bamako. L'hémoglobinomètre HemoCue® a été utilisé pour le dosage de l'hémoglobine pré-don et les infections par le VIH, le VHC, le VHB, le tréponème et le plasmodium ont été dépistées.Nos résultats ont montré que 10,3% des donneurs de sang avaient un taux d'hémoglobine inférieur à la normale et le don de sang de ces personnes a été ajourné.Au total, 543 donneurs ont été exclus dont 217 par le dosage pré-don de l'hémoglobine soit 39.97% des exclusions aux dons. L'anémie était plus présente chez les donneurs volontaires (12,5%) que les donneurs familiaux (9,2%), d'où la nécessité et l'importance d'effectuer le dosage de l'hémoglobine pré-don pour la sécurité des donneurs, en particulier pour les donneurs volontaires.Notre étude a montré clairement que la sélection des donneurs peut être mieux améliorée en faisant le dosage de l'hémoglobine pré-don qui permet d'assurer une bonne qualité des produits sanguins capables de corriger une anémie et garantir la sécurité transfusionnelle

Human T Cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 among blood donors in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Human T cell lymphotropic virus belongs to the Retroviridae family, Oncovirinae subfamily, genus Deltaretrovirus, Group VI, positive sense, ssRNA virus and has been linked to the Adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma, and neurologic disorder called tropical spastic paraparesis. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 among blood donors at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). A total of ninety one (91) fit blood donors were recruited at the donor clinic AKTH and were screened for HTLV 1 and 2 by Enzyme Linked ImmunosorbentAssay (ELISA).Seroprevalence of HTLV 1 and 2 among the study subjects was 1.1%. This showed that the virus is in circulation in Kano community. There is need for expanded community based study on HTLV among prospective blood donors in Kano State and Nigeria in general to ascertain the actual prevalence of this virus so as to minimize the risk of transferring of the virus from infected individual to non infected person