Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B infection among blood donors in a secondary care hospital, Ghana (2014): a retrospective analysis

Prevalence and trends of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors in Basra, Iraq

BACKGROUND

Despite saving millions of lives through blood transfusion, transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) still threaten the lives of patients requiring blood transfusion. Hence, screening blood donors and studying the prevalence of TTIs among blood donors may display the burden of these diseases among our population. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence rates of transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors in Basra, Iraq from 2019 to 2021 as groundwork for providing safe blood transfusion in Iraq.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the blood banks in Basra, Iraq from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. A total of 197 898 samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core (HBc), anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis immunologically.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of seropositive of viral hepatitis for the year 2019, 2020, 2021 were as following: hepatitis B virus (HBV) rates 1.54%, 1.45% and 1.14% with significant declined trend by 26%; anti-HCV rates were 0.14, 0.12 and 0.11% with significant declined trend by 21.4%; and the syphilis rates were 0.38, 0.47, 0.36 with marked declined trend 5.3%, respectively.Of those donors showed HBV positive, 2503 (1.26%) had positive anti-HBc results, while only 173 (0.0874) showed positive test results for both anti-HBc and HBsAg.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence rates of viral hepatitis and syphilis showed a steady decline between 2019 and 2021, and these rates were much lower in Basra than in other parts of Iraq and neighbouring countries. The importance of using the anti-HBc test in the screening of blood donors was indicated in this study. These findings would contribute in improving the understanding of TTIs epidemiology and supporting health authorities controlling bloodborne diseases.

Seroprevalence, trends, and risk factors of hepatitis B and C among family replacement blood donors; a 7-year retrospective study at Sunyani Municipal Hospital, Ghana

Hepatitis B and C cause chronic infections which develop into liver-related sequelae, like cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. This study determined the seroprevalence, trends, and risk factors of HBV and HCV among family replacement donors. A retrospective review of primary data on blood donors screened between January 2015 and December 2021 was conducted at Sunyani Municipal Hospital. The data were assessed for seroprevalence, trends, and odds ratios using SPSS. Of 6847 donors, the majority were males (88.1% [6033]), ≤24 years (27.4% [1874]), O blood type (69.8% [4776]), and Rh-positive (89.9% [6154]). The seroprevalences of HBV and HCV were 3.2% and 1.9%, respectively, with more males infected with HBV and HCV (3.4% vs 2.0%). Males were 2.842 times (p = .001) and 2.399 times (p = .025) more susceptible than females to HBV and HCV, respectively. In the rainy season, donors were 1.489 times (p = .041) more susceptible to HCV. HBV and HCV seroprevalence declined over the period (slope: -0.5464, p ≤ .001 vs slope: -0.6179, p ≤ .001). Male gender and rainy season were significant determinants of both infections. The seroprevalence of HBV was higher than HCV despite the significant decline in both infections. We, recommend health authorities intensify health education among males and during the rainy season.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among Blood Donors from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a highly contagious virus, is a circular partial double-stranded DNA virus. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus with a major blood-borne infection worldwide. Infection of HBV and HCV among blood donors is an important public health problem. Objective. To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and associated factors among blood donors at Bahir Dar Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia. Method. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bahir Dar Blood Bank from May 18, 2020 to July 27, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 426 participants. Variables having a $p$ value of <0.05 with 95% CI and AOR were considered statistically significant. Results. From 426 proposed participants, 418 (98.1%) of them completed the face-to-face interview. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among study participants was 4.07% and 0.48%, respectively. Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 10.356: 95% CI: (2.277–47.099)), having a family history of hepatitis (AOR = 8.106: 95% CI: (1.278–51.403)), and having sharp materials sharing experience (AOR = 11.313, 95% CI: (1.144–111.864)) have a significant association with HBV infection. No risk factors were found for HCV infectious markers. Conclusion and Recommendations. This study showed that the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections confirmed with positive tests among voluntary blood donors in Bahir Dar Blood Bank was 4.07% and 0.48%, respectively. HBV seroprevalence among blood donors in this study has remained stable when compared to a study done in 2013 in the same population. Strict donor selection, safe sex practice, using proper safety precautions when offering care to a family member, and immunization of people at risk could constitute an important package of a prevention program.

Occult hepatitis B virus infections and risk factors among school-going adolescent voluntary blood donors in Kwale County Kenya, January 2020–June 2021: Cross sectional study

Background

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remain a safety concern worldwide. The prevalence in Kenya ranges from 2.6% to 4.4% among secondary school-going voluntary blood donors. This study estimated the prevalence of occult HBV infections among school-going voluntary blood donors through donations made to Kwale Satellite Blood Transfusion Center (KSBTC).

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study on data collected by the KSBTC between January 2020 and June 2021 among secondary school-going voluntary blood donors. Data were collected in MS Excel 2013 and analyzed in Epi Info 7. Descriptive statistics were calculated and we compared donors with positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to those with negative HBsAg. Crude Prevalence Odds Ratios (cPOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with positive HBsAg.

Results

A total of 613 records were analyzed. The mean age of the donors was 19.1 years (± 1.8 years), there were 457 males (74.5%), 502 individuals were in the age group 18–25 years (82.3%), and the mean hemoglobin level was 14.1 g/dl (±1.6 g/dl). First-time blood donors made up 84.8% of all donors (513/605) and the mean inter-donation period was 20 months (±5.8 months) for repeat donors. The sero-positivity for HBsAg was 8.8% (54/613). Age category 16–17 years with positive HBsAg were 10.2% (11/108), femaleswere10.9% (17/156), and first-time donors were 9.4% (48/513). On bivariate analyses, first-time blood donors were 1.5 times more likely to test positive for HBsAg compared to repeat donors (cPOR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.61–3.57). Females were 1.4 times more likely to test positive for HBsAg compared to male donors (cPOR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.76–2.54).

Conclusions

The majority of the voluntary blood donors were males and the majority of occult HBV infections came in the first-time blood donor group. We recommend increasing targeted recruitment of repeat donors by encouraging healthy first-timer donors to be regular donors, and suggest this population should be vaccinated against HBV infections.

Common hepatitis B virus genotypes among blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the public health diseases causing global health problems. It is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Blood transfusion is a major route of its transmission and screening of blood is suboptimal in our environment. Occult HBV infection describes the presence of HBV DNA in blood or liver tissue in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegative. This study documented the common genotypes of HBV a blood-borne infection in the population of blood donors in Lagos.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the blood donor clinics of ten Lagos State Government-owned hospitals in Lagos State. A total of 1400 participants were recruited consecutively from November 2020 to June 2021. All participants' samples were screened using Diaspot Rapid Test Kit (RTK) and Dialabenzyme enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Furthermore, some of the plasma samples were used for HBV DNA extraction and genotyping using the real time-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 and P value was considered significant at ≤0.05.

RESULTS

The sero-prevalence of HBsAg using RTK and ELISA was 19.9% and 22.4%, respectively. The prevalence of occult HBV infection was 5.2%. A total of 278 and 313 HBsAg RTK and ELISA positive samples were obtained, respectively. HBV genotype result had A (46.6%) as the most prevalent followed closely by B (44.7%), E (23.8%), D (20.9%) and C (11.2%).

CONCLUSION

HBV infection has a high prevalence among blood donors. ELISA is a more sensitive screening tool and its use should be advocated nationally. HBV genotype A is the most prevalent genotype from our study.

Prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in Sierra Leone-current knowledge and knowledge gaps: a narrative review

There are no comprehensive data on viral hepatitis from Sierra Leone; however, a huge disease burden has been observed in different subpopulations. This review summarizes available data on hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) prevalence in Sierra Leone and identifies knowledge gaps. Despite the non-uniformity of the studies and the lack of systematic case recording, different reports published in recent decades yielded a hepatitis B prevalence of 8.7% among healthcare workers, 11.3% among pregnant women, 15.2% among blood donors and 16.7% in school-age children. The actual HBV prevalence in the general population was reported as 21.7%; similar to what was reported for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). HCV prevalence is 8% and 7% in male and female blood donors, respectively, 4.1% in PLHIV and 2.0% in school children. There are significant knowledge gaps regarding the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in Sierra Leone, despite the high burden reported in a few studies. There are limited programmatic interventions on the control and prevention of viral hepatitis in the country. Therefore, well-structured representative studies should provide a solid understanding of the true prevalence of hepatitis B and C to inform best possible public health measures in Sierra Leone.

Knowledge, attitude and seropositivity of hepatitis B virus among blood donors in the Bamenda Regional Hospital Blood Bank, Cameroon

Introduction

despite the existence of a preventive vaccine against hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection, approximately 250 million people are infected with the virus worldwide. This study aimed at evaluating the level of knowledge, attitude and seropositivity of the disease among apparently healthy, potential blood donors at the blood service of the Bamenda Regional Hospital Blood Bank.

Methods

a cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2019 among 250 blood donors. Following screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using the one-step HBsAg test strip, information on the level of knowledge and attitude towards the infection was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. The correlation analysis was done to assess relationships between selected factors and knowledge of hepatitis B, p-value of 0.05 was considered as statistical significance.

Results

the seropositivity of HBV was 6.4% (n = 16). Overall, 46.8% (n = 19) of the study participants had adequate knowledge while 76.3% (n = 31) had a positive attitude toward the disease. The highest seropositivity was observed in singles (7.1%; n = 13), primary school leavers (14.3%; n = 5), unskilled laborers (14.5%; n = 8) and replacement donors (9.33%; n = 7). The probability of being hepatitis B seropositive was higher in males, students (aOR: 8.8, 95% CI 0.7-96.1; p = 0.046) and those who had attained higher education (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI 0.8-12.7; p = 0.016). Independent factors responsible for higher odds of inadequate knowledge were being a male and attaining secondary education. On the contrary, students (aOR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8; p = 0.012) and those with a history of blood donation (aOR: 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-0.9; p = 0.042) recorded lower odds of inadequate knowledge.

Conclusion

the prevalence of hepatitis B among blood donors in this blood service is in the high intermediate category. Overall, the level of knowledge on this infection among these blood donors is average. These findings suggest that health education on HBV infection should be provided to the public as a major strategy to curb the infection.

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in two populations: blood donors and patients with suspected hepatic cirrhosis in Kwilu province, Democratic Republic of Congo

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The global mortality caused by viral hepatitis is higher than that caused by HIV infection. Screening of two different populations - blood donors and patients with suspected hepatic cirrhosis - can help to estimate the seroprevalence in the population and what the burden of the infection is on liver disease.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study performed in Vanga, a rural region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were used from 2016 to 2018 for blood donors, and patients with ascites and abnormal liver ultrasound.

RESULTS

A total of 3,497 blood donors were recruited, among whom 92.5% were male; 3% were positive for HCV antibodies; 3.4% were positive for HBsAg; and 0.4% for HBsAg and HCV, respectively. There were 190 patients with suspected cirrhosis on ultrasound: 71 (37.4%) were female and 119 (62.4%) male; 32.6% and 10.6% were positive for HBV and HCV, respectively; 2.6% were co-infected with HBV and HCV.

CONCLUSION

Blood donors and patients with ascites and liver abnormalities were frequently infected by HBV, HCV, and/or HIV in a rural region of the DRC. Detection is essential for limiting the risk of transmission and treating those infected.

Low Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Gene amongst Australian Blood Donors

Variants in the small surface gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which codes for viral surface antigen (HBsAg), can affect the efficacy of HBsAg screening assays and can be associated with occult HBV infection (OBI). This study aimed to characterise the molecular diversity of the HBV small surface gene from HBV-reactive Australian blood donors. HBV isolates from 16 HBsAg-positive Australian blood donors' plasma were sequenced and genotyped by phylogenies of viral coding genes and/or whole genomes. An analysis of the genetic diversity of eight HBV small surface genes from our 16 samples was conducted and compared with HBV sequences from NCBI of 164 international (non-Australian) blood donors. Genotypes A-D were identified in our samples. The region of HBV small surface gene that contained the sequence encoding the 'a' determinant had a greater genetic diversity than the remaining part of the gene. No escape mutants or OBI-related variants were observed in our samples. Variant call analysis revealed two samples with a nucleotide deletion leading to truncation of polymerase and/or large/middle surface amino acid sequences. Overall, we found that HBV small surface gene sequences from Australian donors demonstrated a lower level of genetic diversity than those from non-Australian donor population included in the study.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Infection Among a Population of Blood Donors in the Kpandai District of Northern Ghana: A Five-Year Retrospective Study from 2014 to 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an infectious disease that is specific to the liver, causing both acute and chronic hepatitis. This study determined the trend of HBV infection among blood donors in the Kpandai District Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018. Retrospective analysis of donor profiles for a period of 5 years was used to assess the distribution of seropositive cases in relation to age, sex, and trend. The data was collected using pre-designed questionnaire and managed using Microsoft Excel spread sheet 2013. The overall sero-prevalence of HBV was 8.2% (230/2802). The year to year analysis depicted significant trends in reduction of HBV infection among the study population at a rate of 13 percentage points above the mean from 2014 to 2015, and 4.3 percentage points below the mean from 2016 to 2018 across the period. The prevalence in males was 8.4% (225/2687) and that of the females was 4.4% (5/115) and the highest rate of infection was among those below 30 years 9.8% (163/1666). Although the general prevalence of HBV infection was high (8.2%), there was a significant trend reduction in rate of infection across the study period. This suggests that the public health interventional strategies put in place to manage the HBV infection in Kpandai District seem to be working.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Among Blood Donors in Nekemte Blood Bank, Western Oromia, Ethiopia: Retrospective 5 Years Study

Background

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the greatest threats to blood safety for the recipient. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and trends of HBV and HCV infections among blood donors over a period of 5 years at Nekemte blood bank, Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2019 at Nekemte blood bank. The recorded blood donors' history and laboratory tests were reviewed by data collectors analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 software. A p-value of less than 0.005 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 17,810 consecutive blood donors were screened between January 2015 and December 2019. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was 3.06% and 0.64%, respectively. The prevalence of HBV was significantly associated with male (AOR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.91), unmarried (AOR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.79, 2.51) and rural (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.05) blood donors. The prevalence of HCV was significantly associated with blood donor those were male (AOR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.91), within 45-65 years of age (AOR: 3.56: 95% CI: 1.14, 3.99) and unmarried (AOR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.65, 3.96).

Conclusion

The current study shows the prevalence of hepatitis B virus was higher among study participants. However, the prevalence of HCV was low compared to the study conducted in other countries in Africa, a substantial percentage of the blood donors harbor HCV infections. Therefore, it is recommended to increase awareness of people (particularly on unmarried, male and rural resident) on modes of transmission and prevention of infection could help in reducing the burden of both HBV and HCV.

Epidemiological aspects and molecular characterization of the hepatitis B virus among blood donors in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

OBJECTIVES

The strains of HBV circulating among blood donors in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are not yet characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine seroprevalence, changes in biochemical parameters during HBV infection and molecular characterization of HBV in blood donors in Lubumbashi.

METHODS

The detection of HBsAg was carried out by rapid diagnostic test then confirmed by the Liaison XL® Quant HBsAg technique. PCR targeting the P gene was carried out on LightCycler® 96 and genotyping by the sequencing technique on ABI 3500.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence was 7.9%. The genotypes E (53.1%), A (41.8%), A3/E (3.8%), A1/E (1.3%) and some drug resistance mutations were identified. Disturbances of HDL-cholesterol, direct bilirubin, transaminases (ASAT and ALAT), PAL, GGT and albumin have been observed in HBsAg positive blood donors.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicated that Lubumbashi is in a region with high endemicity for HBV and report for the first time HBV of genotypes A, E, A1/E and A3/E. They highlight the need to implement strategies to improve transfusion safety in blood transfusion centers and hospital blood banks in Lubumbashi in order to reduce HBV infection in recipients. They could also contribute to the implementation of treatment strategies and the development of mapping of circulating HBV genotypes in the DRC.

Prevalence of viral hepatitis B in Ghana between 2015 and 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) remains a significant public health problem in Ghana and past reviews conducted could not calculate a nationwide prevalence of the disease due to lack of primary research for some regions of the country. We therefore conducted this study to summarize and update the available information on HBV infection burden (prevalence) in Ghana from 2015–2019.We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to retrieve primary studies published in peer-reviewed journals from November 2015 to September 2019, assessing the prevalence of HBV among the Ghanaian populace. The review included 21 studies across all ten old regions of Ghana with a total sample population of 29 061. The HBV prevalence was estimated for subpopulations as follows: 8.36% in the adult population, 14.30% in the adolescent population, and 0.55% in children under five years (pre-school). Among adults, HBV infection prevalence was the highest in the special occupation group (14.40%) and the lowest prevalence rate of 7.17% was recorded among blood donors. Prevalence was lower in the north than in the southern part of the country. The Ashanti region had the most studies at 6/21 (29%), while no study was identified for the Upper West region. Across the country, the highest HBV infection prevalence rates were recorded in the age group of 20–40 years. The burden of hepatitis B is enormous and remains an important public health issue in Ghana. Addressing the issue will require an integrated public health strategy and rethinking of the implementation gaps in the current HBV infection control program. This will help propel the country towards eliminating the disease by 2030.

Incidence and mortality of cancer in the Volta Region of Ghana

IMPACT STATEMENT

Region-specific cancer reports are essential in knowing the common cancers in specific populations. This study reports all cancer types recorded in the major hospitals in the Volta Region of Ghana, a population that is sparsely captured in the national cancer registries. The study identified the common cancers as well as the death rates in the Volta Region, hence contributing to the national effort to report cancer data. Although not comprising all the elements of a cancer registry, our data will augment the effort of the two national cancer registries in Ghana to provide the national cancer reports.

Hepatitis B and C in the adult population of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are prevalent in West Africa. To address the WHO 2030 goals of a 90% reduction in incidence and a 65% reduction in mortality for both infections, we assessed the prevalence of HBV and HCV from surveys in the general population.

METHODS

Participants in this cross-sectional survey were included from randomly selected houses in a demographic surveillance site in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Participants were interviewed and had a blood sample drawn for viral analyses (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and HCV RNA). Risk factors of HBV and HCV infection were determined by binomial regression adjusted for sex and age.

RESULTS

A total of 2715 participants were included in this study. The overall HBsAg prevalence was 18.7% (95% CI: 17.3-20.2%). HBsAg was associated with male sex (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.64), and prevalence decreased with age >34 years. HBV exposure was found in 91.9% of participants. Although 72.6% of individuals without sexual debut had been exposed to HBV, ever engaging in a sexual relationship was associated with higher risk of HBV exposure (aRR 1.18). The anti-HCV prevalence was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.3-0.9%), and 78.6% of those had detectable HCV RNA. Risk factors for anti-HCV sero-positivity were age above 55 (aRR 10.60), a history of blood transfusion (aRR 5.07) and being in a polygamous marriage (aRR 3.52).

CONCLUSION

In Guinea-Bissau initiatives to implement treatment and widespread testing are needed to reach the WHO 2030 goals.

Hepatitis B Knowledge, Testing, and Vaccination History among Undergraduate Public Health Students in Ghana

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. The risk of acquiring the infection through exposure to blood, semen, and other bodily fluids is highest among health care workers (HCW) including trainees. Ghana is considered a high risk country for HBV; however little is known about the knowledge and prevention practices of the infection in the country. This study assessed the knowledge, testing, and vaccination history of HBV and their related factors among undergraduate public health students of University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 students using a pretested questionnaire to assess Hepatitis B knowledge, testing, and vaccination history of the students. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between Hepatitis B testing and vaccination history and participants' characteristics. Data was analysed using Stata Version 12.

Results

Majority 169 (73.9%) of the 226 participants studied had moderate knowledge regarding HBV infection. About half 114 (50.4%) of them had never been tested for HBV infection, and 100 (44.2%) had received at least a single dose of Hepatitis B vaccine. The completed vaccination rate among the students was 30.5%. Students in their 2nd year (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.13; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.13, 7.52; p<0.011) and those with moderate (AOR: 4.76; 95% CI; 1.35, 16.82; P=0.015) and good (AOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 1.31, 22.36; P=0.020) level of knowledge were more likely to be tested for HBV. With regard to vaccination, females (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.04-3.29; P=0.037) and regular students (AOR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.70; p=0.002) were associated with receiving the full dose of Hepatitis B vaccine.

Conclusion

This study highlights the urgent need for continued health education on HBV infection and strategies that ensure that health trainees are screened and fully vaccinated against the infection to prevent potential future exposure to the virus. The students' representative council can organize free HBV testing and vaccination for all fresh students.

Sero-prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections and associated factors among blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia: an Institutional-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion saves millions of lives each year globally. But, it was associated with certain risks which can lead to adverse consequences. However, there is paucity of information regarding to the sero-prevalence and risk factor of transfusion-transmittable infections among blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections and associated factors among blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia from February to March 2018.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 blood donors in Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and laboratory blood screening. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Statistically significance was considered at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The overall sero-prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections was 12.4% (95% confidence interval: 9.5, 15.3). Hepatitis B virus (6.6%) and syphilis (3.4%) were found at high magnitude. Those with family having human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis (adjusted odd ratio = 2.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.33, 6.33), giving care for human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis patient (adjusted odd ratio = 3.24; 95% confidence interval: 1.49, 7.07), multiple sex partner (adjusted odd ratio = 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 5.19), unsafe sex (adjusted odd ratio = 2.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.51, 5.92), dental procedure (adjusted odd ratio = 2.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.20, 6.28), and had no formal education (adjusted odd ratio = 2.46; 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 4.86) were significantly associated with transfusion-transmittable infections.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of transfusion-transmittable infections in this study was relatively high compared to studies conducted earlier in Ethiopia. Factors such as unsafe sex, multiple sex partner, dental procedure, and family with human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis, provide health care for human immunodeficiency virus-infected or hepatitis patients, donor type, and educational level were significantly associated with transmission-transmittable infections. Thus, health promotion about prevention and control transmission-transmittable infections should be given to the community by considering the identified risk factors. Each of the blood banks and regional health bureaus in the study area should mobilize community for increasing repeated voluntary donors through promotion of blood bank activity.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Bangladesh: Prevalence among General Population, Risk Groups and Genotype Distribution

Despite a considerable body of published research on hepatitis B in Bangladesh, researchers continue to lament the lack of reliable information about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection epidemiology. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the literature with particular focus on a number of epidemiological questions, as well as a commentary on the trends of hepatitis B research as it has taken place in Bangladesh. The key themes to emerge from this review are: first, beyond noting a declining trend, it is difficult to provide conclusive estimates about HBV prevalence in the general population of Bangladesh. The majority of the studies, even the ones conducted on apparently healthy populations, fail to be adequately representative for the reasons explored in the article. Secondly, HBV infection in Bangladesh is sharply stratified across sociodemographic lines, which speaks to the role of awareness and risk exposure in HBV prevalence. Third, more research on occult infection rates is required to estimate the extent of risk posed by the current blood donation screening program, which relies exclusively on hepatitis B surface antigen as a biomarker. The same considerations apply for the comparative importance of vertical versus horizontal transmission and prevalence among particular risk groups like healthcare workers with high occupational exposure. Finally, while recent studies do allow us, albeit with some ambiguity, to draw conclusions about distribution of HBV genotypes in Bangladesh, there needs to be an added emphasis on molecular epidemiology. It is hoped that the present review, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, will serve as an up-to-date summary of the course HBV epidemiology research in Bangladesh has taken thus far, as well as crucial gaps to address going forward.