Seroprevalence of hepatitis-C antibodies in blood donors

ABSTRACT

To assess the prevalence of anti HCV antibodies in blood donors. Design: The retrospective sero-epidemiological data of the Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Service, Punjab over a period of one year after starting HCV screening, was analysed to estimate the percentage prevalence. The data was obtained regularly from the blood units established by this Institute at the public sector hospitals and retesting on initially reactive serum samples by EIA was done at the Institute. A total of 166183 directed first time donors or replacement blood donors aged 18-60 years who donated blood at these blood banks or at mobile sessions have been included in the study. All initially reactive donors who tested non-reactive on EIA were excluded from the study. Main Outcome Measures: Assessment of prevalence of HCV in blood donors. 4.45% of the total donors initially tested reactive; of these 0.36% were falsely reactive on initial screening. Further testing by EIA, indicated the correct prevalence of HCV in blood donors at 4.1%. The blood transfusion service started screening for HCV in April 2000 and the prevalence of HCV, amongst the transfusion transmitted infections [TTIs] being screened for in the Punjab, is the highest. It is almost double the prevalence of HBV and several thousand times that of HIV. Meticulous and total screening coverage is needed to curtail impending catastrophe. With experience, the choice of testing methodology might have to be reviewed