Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus and HIV markers among blood donors from Shakre-Kord, Iran [2004-2006]

To determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection in voluntary blood donors from Shahre Kord, a central province of Iran, during 2004-2006 Retrospective, descriptive and analytical study based on data from Serology Laboratory of the Blood Transfusion Center [BTC] at Shahre-Kord, Iran The BTC, Shahre-Kord, Iran 35,124 apparently healthy voluntary blood donors Detection of HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti- HCV and anti-HIV markers in blood samples using immunoenzymatic tests and Western blotting, as determined by the BTC Analysis of data obtained from the Serology Laboratory of the BTC, Shahre-Kord, Iran to determine prevalence Overall prevalence estimates were: 0.1% for HBsAg, 0.07% for anti-HBc, 0.2% for anti-HCV and 0.002% for anti-HIV antibody. There was a statistically significant increase in the overall prevalence of HBsAg and HBcAb [from 0.015% to 0.02%] and the prevalence of HCVAb [from 0.06% to 0.48%] during the study period [p < 0.05]. Three male donors were co-infected by HCV and HBV. This study suggests the need to investigate risk factors and risk groups for these infections in Iran. In the light of these results, an effective control and training program should be implemented