Healthy voluntary blood donors; incidence of anti hepatitis c virus antibodies

ABSTRACT

Out country is endemic for hepatitis B and C types of hepatitis can be transmitted by transfusion of contaminated blood. We conducted this study to find out local incidence of HCV in healthy blood donors. 426 people were screened for anti-HCV antibodies. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected by kit using Dot Immunoassay for visual detection [DIPSTICK HCV] developed by Immunochemical Lab Company Limited Bangkok Thailand. Out of 426 people screened, 423 were males, younger age group, i.e. 18-30 years being most common [70.18%]. Over all incidence of Anti-HCV antibodies positivity was 20.89%. Around one third [29 out of 89 i.e. 32.58%] of anti-HCV positive people had previously given blood donation. This study concludes that incidence of anti-HCV positivity is pretty high and practice of screening blood donations for HCV is poorly observed in this locality. To control the situation we must start public education campaign about preventive measures against HCV and strictly adapt screening of blood donations for HBV and HCV