Prevalence of Transmissible Infectious Diseases among Healthy Blood Donors in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Blood transfusions are necessary due to the increased incidence of blood diseases and an increase in automobile accidents. In healthcare systems with limited resources, the provision of safe blood products is hampered by transfusion-transmitted diseases (TTIs), such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, and malaria. Objective: To determine how common TTIs are among blood donors in Faisalabad. Methods: Immuno-chromatographic technique (ICT) kits and thick film (malaria) screening were used to test donors for HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria. Results: Among 1500 donors, prevalence of HCV was highest (n=106), followed by HBV (n=42), syphilis (n=11), and malaria (n=3). One positive case was reported as HIV.  Between the ages of 21 and 40, donors who tested positive were more prevalent. Conclusions: By more carefully evaluating and screening each donor before selecting them for blood donation, safe blood transfusions can both increase recipient safety and reduce the spread of TTIs.