Prevalence of HIV-I/II, HCV, HBsAg& Syphilis in Blood Donors Of Western Region In India.

ABSTRACT

Background & Objective: The high prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis has heightened the problems of blood safety in India. TTIs cause fatal, chronic and life-threatening disorders because of their prolonged viraemia and carrier or latent state. Serologic tests utilized routinely in the screening of blood donors, totally not guarantee the absence of these infections among blood donors. Methodology: Samples of HIV, HBsAg, HCV were tested by ELISA and samples of syphilis were tested by RPR method following manufacturer’s instructions. Results: Prevalence of HBV was highest within at the age groups 26-35 years, HCV within the age group between 36-45years, syphilis within the age group between 46-55 years and HIV between 26-35 years. The prevalence of hepatitis B and syphilis was higher among males as compared to females, while for hepatitis C and HIV, it was higher among females as compared to males. Conclusion: Availability of safe blood for transfusion can be achieved by vigorous screening of donors and donated blood. Screening of blood is now mandatory for many diseases and is undertaken routinely in blood banks. The prevalence of TTIs among the Indian blood donors is reported to be ranging as follows; HBV – 0.66% to 12%, HCV – 0.5% to 1.5%, HIV– 0.084% to 3.87%, and syphilis – 0.85% to 3% respectively. Hence strict selection of blood donors with stringent screening and safe methods of detection can minimise risk if TTI.