Seroprevalence of syphilis in the blood donors in Lahore

ABSTRACT

To assess the prevalence of syphilis in blood donors in Lahore. Design: Serum samples were obtained from prospective predominantly first time blood donors who consented to testing for syphilis from June to September 2000. TPHA test was conducted on the samples. Setting: The blood donors were bled and tested at the blood banks attached to the teaching hospitals in Lahore and at the Institute of Haematology and Blood transfusion Service, Punjab. Subjects: 8161 prospective predominantly first time blood donors aged 18-60 years. Main Outcome Measures: Assessment of the prevalence of syphilis in the blood donors. 0.78% of the blood donors tested were found to be positive. Conclusions: Blood safety is compromised due to lack of screening for syphilis and TPHA testing should be started in routine practice