ASSOCIATION OF BLOOD GROUP SYSTEMS WITH BLOOD-BORNE INFECTIONS AND ITS IMPLICATION ON CADAVER SELECTION IN THE POST COVID ERA: A STUDY AMONG BLOOD DONORS OF KOLKATA

Abstract

Introduction: Blood group antigens play a vital role in transfusion safety, understanding genetics, inheritance pattern, researching population migration patterns, as well as resolving certain medico-legal issues Aims & Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Syphilis infections in blood donors referred to Blood Bank of Calcutta National Medical College and to determine any association between blood groups and blood borne infections and their impact on procurement and dissection of dead bodies. Methods: An observational study with cross sectional design of data collection was conducted in the Blood Bank of Calcutta Nation Medical College for a period of three months. All of the eligible donor serum samples were screened for HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis. Test result of the collected blood was noted and tabulated in Microsoft Excel Sheet. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 20 software. Chi-square test was performed for Qualitative comparison. Result:Total number of HIV, HbS Ag, Anti HCV, VDRL, MP positive cases were 16 (1.54%), 51(4.92%), 18(1.74%), 28(2.7%), 30(2.9%) respectively. 56.2% HIV positive cases were in the age group of 18-30 and 87.5% HIV positive cases were male.3.9% of HbS Ag positive cases, 10.7% VDRL positive cases, 3.3% MP positive cases were also HIV Positive. Signicant correlation was obtained HIV & VDRL and VDRL & anti HCV Conclusion: Hepatitis C was highest among the study population and signicant correlation was present between Syphilis and HIV or Hepatitis C. In the background of novel emergent diseases with spread via body uids, such information on blood borne infections may help us to formulate future guidelines on cadaver dissection.