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

Prevalence and molecular characteristics of occult hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Huzhou City, eastern China

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is a significant challenge for HBV prevention and control. We investigated the prevalence and surface (S) gene mutations of OBI among blood donors in Huzhou City, eastern China. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was routinely screened among 44,256 blood donors. HBV-DNA was detected using the Roche cobas®system. Serum samples that were HBsAg negative and HBV-DNA positive were selected, and the HBV S gene was amplified and sequenced. HBV genotype and S gene mutations were analyzed. The OBI rate in these blood donors was 0.070 % (31/44,256). Among the blood donors with OBI, only two cases (2/31, 6.5 %) were anti-HBc negative. The S gene sequences of 28 samples were successfully obtained, and we found that HBV genotype C (21/28, 70 %) was predominant among blood donors with OBI. Most S gene mutations were associated with OBI, and the high frequency mutations included N40S, G44E, Q51R/P, T113A/S,T118K/M, P120Q/S/T, and Y161F/S. Notably, amino acid substitutions at some sites differed from those reported previously, such as Y72F, G102V, P127L, Q129P, and S143T. Additionally, six novel mutations (S31I/N/R, P46L, S58C, C76Y, Y200F/C, and I208T) that may be associated with OBI were found. OBI was detected in a certain proportion of blood donors in Huzhou City. S gene mutations play an important role in OBI development. Further research is required to explore the functions of novel S gene mutants in OBI pathogenesis. The findings of this study may provide important insights to prevent HBV transmission through blood transfusions.

Assessment of prevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Mogadishu Somalia

BACKGROUND

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through contaminated blood or bodily fluids. Globally, over 81 million blood units are donated annually, a crucial therapeutic procedure without alternatives. However, blood-borne infections, including HBV, pose a significant hurdle to safe transfusions, especially in HBV-endemic regions like Somalia with limited screening. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and identify risk factors associated with it among blood donors in Mogadishu, Somalia.

METHOD

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2023. Research tools included a 5-ml blood sample and a structured questionnaire. The presence or absence of HB markers was determined using a multi-HB rapid test and CDC's HB marker interpretation guideline. Logistic regression was used in univariate and multivariate models to identify risk factors associated with HBV infection, with significance set at a p-value < 0.05 in the final model.

RESULT

A total of 494 blood donors were recruited for this study; 93.9% were male, with a mean age of 31.5 (SD = 8.11). The prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among blood donors was 9.7%, with a 95% CI of 7.1-12.3. In multivariable logistic regression, those with a monthly income of less than 200 USD (AOR = 5.20, 95% CI = 1.61-16.79), those with an income between 200 and 400 (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.38-9.34), Jobless blood donors (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.17-12.20), those in business occupations (AOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.24-9.08), those with a history of STDs (AOR = 4.83, 95% CI = 2.03-11.50), those without a history of HB vaccine (AOR = 13.81, 95% CI = 2.46-77.41), those with a history of tooth extraction (AOR = 6.90, 95% CI = 2.66-17.88), and those who shared sharp equipment (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.07-7.82) were more likely to become infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) compared to their counterparts.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a high prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Implementation efforts against HBV infection should specifically focus on low-income individuals, the jobless, and donors with a history of STD to mitigate the burden of HBV infection and promote safer blood donation. In addition, discouraging the sharing of sharp equipment, improving infection control practices during tooth extraction procedures, and enhancing HB vaccination uptake, particularly among individuals lacking a history of HB vaccine, is highly recommended.

Transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors of Kamenge Teaching Hospital blood bank in Burundi

Background

The current risk of contracting a transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) is unknown in Burundi.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess sociodemographic profiles of blood bank donors at Kamenge Teaching Hospital, the prevalence and associated risk factors of HIV, syphilis, HBV and HCV from 2015 to 2020.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study including all blood donors of Kamenge Teaching Hospital blood bank. During this study, 1370 blood samples were screened for HIV, Syphilis, HBV and HCV. We calculated prevalence of TTIs and performed logistic regression to know associated risk factors.

Results

Blood donors were males at 77% and 23% females. They were mostly students (54.2%). On screening, 83 blood samples (6.06%) were seropositive for at least one TTI. The overall prevalence rate of HIV, Syphilis, HBV and HCV among blood donors was 1.3%, 0.2% ,1.6%, 2.9% respectively. There was difference in distribution of the four TTIs among blood donors which is statistically significant (x2=33.997, ϱ-value<0.001). Private donors were associated with a high risk of syphilis and being a first-time donor was associated with a high HBV risk factor.

Conclusion

The prevalence of TTIs found still to be high; mandatory and continuous screening is necessary.

Seroprevalence and trends of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus in Syrian blood donors at Damascus University Blood Center between 2004 and 2021

Introduction

Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted viral infections (TTVIs) is a valuable indicator for assessing blood safety, population health and health system performance in the times of peace and conflicts. Only scarce information is available on the impact of the decade-long violent conflict on the prevalence of TTVIs in Syria. Moreover, hepatitis B vaccine was introduced to the national vaccination program in 1993; however, no data is available on the vaccine effectiveness.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we compiled the screening results for major TTVIs, namely hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), of volunteer donors at Damascus University Blood Center from May 2004 to October 2021. Prevalence was expressed in percentages for the entire study group and subgroups. Chi-square test and linear regression were used to examine the differences and describe trends in prevalence, respectively, based on demographic characteristics (i.e., age and gender) and time. P-value of <0.005 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the total 307,774 donors (82.27% males, median age 27 years), 5,929 (1.93%) had serological evidence of at least one TTVI, and 26 (0.0085%) had multiple infections. The lowest prevalence (1.09%) was detected in donors aged 18-25 years old, and a higher prevalence (2.05%) was evident in males in comparison with females (1.38%). The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV was 1.18, 0.52, and 0.23%, respectively. Trend analyses revealed a significant regression in HBV and HIV prevalence from 2011 to 2021. HBV seropositivity depicted a temporal decline by ~80%, from 0.79% in 2011 to 0.16% in 2021 in those born in 1993 and thereafter.

Discussion

The seroprevalence of HBV, HIV, and to a lesser extent HCV dropped over the study 18-year period. Possible explanations may include implementation of the HBV vaccine, robust national health system, conservative sociocultural values, and isolation.

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.

Undiagnosed Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections in the Community of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background

Despite Ethiopia’s hepatitis endemic status with intermediate to hyperendemic level, there is no national strategy for monitoring, preventing, and controlling viral hepatitis. In order to advise community-based intervention programs, studies on the magnitude, determinant factors, and understanding of indigenous social organization are important. Thus, this study examined undiagnosed seroprevalence and associated factors for HBV and HCV infections among community members in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 individuals from randomly selected two woredas in the Wolaita Zone to determine the magnitude of HBV and HCV. Multistage sampling was used to select participants. Relevant clinical and sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. One test strip technique was used for the screening of hepatitis B surface antigen and for antibodies against HCV. Both tests were confirmed by ELISA methods. The associated factors were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The seroprevalence for HBV infection was 6.6% (95% CI: 4.22%, 8.69%) using a one-step HBsAg test strip and 5.6% (95% CI: 3.47%, 8.58%) using confirmatory test (ELISA). The two tests had a very good agreement (K = 0.918; SE = 0.047; P < 0.001). The overall seroprevalence for HCV infection was 1.9% (95% CI: 0.9%, 3.0%). All four of the one-step HCV test strip positives were also positive by ELISA. One (0.3%) of the participants was co-infected with HBV and HCV. Hospital admission (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.5–0.95) and needle stick (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.07–0.72) were independently associated with HBV infections.

Conclusion

According to the current study, in Wolaita community, there is endemic to HBV at a higher-intermediate level and to HCV at a low level. It would be imperative to increase awareness of transmission modes and prevention of infection, as well as vaccination, in order to reduce the burden of both HBV and HCV.

Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (HCV, HIV, Syphilis and Malaria) in Blood Donors: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study

Blood plays a major role in transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, malaria, and many others. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the distribution of HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria among blood donors in Yemen. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted on blood donors at the national center in Yemen. Blood donors’ specimens were serologically tested for the presence of anti-HCV and anti-HIV antibodies, as well as anti-Treponema pallidum, anti-Plasmodium falciparum, and anti-Plasmodium vivax. A total of 16,367 donors were included in this study. Based on the donor’s occupation, the study showed that the relative seroprevalence of anti-HCV Ab among the donors was statistically significant, and relatively high prevalence was found among military donors (2.8%). Positive HIV antibody tests were only reported in 33 male donors (0.2%), who were mostly manual workers. A remarkably high prevalence of anti-Treponema pallidum was observed among manual workers (3.1%). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of anti-malaria Ab based on residency and age groups. This study revealed that the prevalence of HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria among donors was 2.0%, 0.2%, 2.4%, and 0.7%, respectively. Further genotyping studies are necessary to provide a complete picture of the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs).

Frequency of Hepatitis B, C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Blood Donors

Introduction: Blood donation is considered an important source of infection transmitted through transfusion, especially in developing countries like Pakistan.

Objective: To find out the frequency of seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among blood donors in the blood bank.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on blood donors at the National Institute of Blood Disease and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi, during the period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The descriptive statistical analysis to find out the percentages and frequencies was implemented using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

Results: During the study duration, a total of 23,656 blood donors visited and donated blood, including 12,234 blood donors in the year 2019 and 11,422 blood donors in the year 2020. According to the analysis, only 1.4% of patients with HBV, 1.5% with HCV, and 0.03% were seropositive in the year 2020. In 2019, 1.6% HBV, 2.07% HCV, and 0.09% HIV blood donors were seropositive with a significant 0.00 p-value.

Conclusion: It is concluded that hepatitis C is the most commonly occurring in donors compared to HBV and HIV. HBV vaccines are available in Pakistan, which is why cases are fewer than HCV.

Updated Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Anti-Hepatitis Core Antibody Among Blood Donors in Yemen

Purpose

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common infectious pathogens worldwide. Various studies found a prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors ranging from 2% to 18%. Hence, this study aimed to provide an updated prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb among blood donors.

Patients and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study to investigate the donation records of blood donors in Sana’a, Yemen, over one year (January to December 2019). Eligible blood donors were included in the study. The serum samples of blood donors were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBcAb (IgG & IgM) using the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) techniques.

Results

A total of 16,367 blood donors were recruited in this study, of whom 14,300 (87.4%) donated only once during this study (single, non-duplicated blood donors), while 2067 (12.6%) were repeated or duplicated. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb was 2.4% and 10.8%, respectively. Among single non-duplicated blood donors, HBsAg and Anti-HBcAb were 2.3% and 10.6% and 3.0% and 12.5% for repeated blood donors, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between HBsAg and Anti-HBcAb in terms of donor type and testing techniques.

Conclusion

The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb among the blood donors was 2.0% and 10.3%, respectively. The ECL technique is more sensitive, has a lower error rate, and shows an advantage over the manual EIA technique. Duplicated blood donors influence the accuracy of the seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBcAb.

Seroprevalence of the Serological Markers of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections among Volunteer Blood Donors of Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital

Background: Transfusion-transmissible infections are well-known global health challenges. The present study is proposed to investigate the seropositivity of anti-HIV1/2, anti-HCV, HBsAg, and anti-T.pallidum among volunteer blood donors of Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Methods: Our study was conducted in a cross-sectional retrospective manner. The data of donors who attended Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital throughout 2016 to 2018 were reviewed and retrieved manually from blood bank records. Results: Out of 8139 donors, 22.52% were seropositive for serological markers of TTIs and 1.67% were seropositive for at least two serological markers of TTIs. The overall seropositivity rate of anti-HIV1/2, HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-T.pallidum was 1.77%, 6.07%, 1.14%, and 11.87%, respectively (p < 0.000). Anti-T.pallidum was the most frequently detected (p < 0.05) marker across all study variables. TTIs seroprevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) varied according to the age, residence, occupations, and blood groups. Notably, there was a rising trend in the rate of anti-HIV1/2 and seropositivity for more than one marker with age (p < 0.000). Regionally, rural area residents had a higher rate of anti-HIV1/2 (2.20%), HBsAg (6.31%), anti-HCV (1.42%), anti-T.pallidum (18.38%), and multiple markers seropositivity (2.28%) compared to urban areas. Between occupations, the highest rate of anti-HIV1/2 (p = 0.483), HBsAg (p = 0.003), anti-HCV (p = 0.408), anti-T.pallidum (p < 0.000), and multiple markers seropositivity (p < 0.000) were detected in farmers. Regarding the screening, we also found that the frequency of anti-T.pallidum was significantly (p = 0.003) higher in donors who carry the AB+ve blood group, whereas anti-HCV (1.83%) was more frequent in donors carry O−ve blood group (p = 0.255). As seen, anti-T.pallidum+HBsAg was the most frequently (1.22%) co-occurring markers. In contrast, anti-T.pallidum+anti-HIV1/2+HBsAg was the lowest frequency one (p < 0.000). Conclusions: The study showed an alarming rate of TTIs, which suggests the requirement for comprehensive surveillance and health education programs.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Viral Infection in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Hepatitis C virus is a highly genetically heterogenous bloodborne pathogen that is responsible for acute and chronic hepatitis. Globally, an estimated 71 million population is chronically infected with this virus from which 399,000 people die every year. Its prevalence is high in Ethiopia and varies from region to region, even among different studies within a region.

Methods

Electronic databases, including Science Direct, Medline, HINARI, African Journals Online, TRIP database, African Index Medicus, and Directory of Open Access Journals, searched from 2010 to 2020 and published articles were included. Due to evidence of considerable heterogeneity, the pooled prevalence of anti-HCV was analyzed using the random-effects model. The possible sources of heterogeneity were analyzed through subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression. Funnel plots and Egger's test statistics were used to determine the presence of publication bias.

Results

The analysis of 56 articles showed that the prevalence of anti-HCV in Ethiopia ranged from 0% to 22%. The pooled prevalence estimated was 2% (95% CI 2.0–3.0), and the meta-regression statistics indicated that the diagnostic method (p=0.037), study group (p=0.005), and level of bias (p=0.035) showed statistically significant association with the outcome variable. The sensitivity analysis claims no influence on the overall effect estimate while removing a single study from the analysis at a time. Egger's test statistics (p ≤ 0.001) declare the presence of publication bias that is handled using time and fill analysis.

Conclusions

The pooled prevalence of anti-HCV in Ethiopia was high. Predictor variables, including the diagnostic method, study group, and level of bias, showed a statistically significant relationship with the outcome variable. Strengthening the scope of existing prevention and control programs and implementing novel approaches, including screen-and-treat, could significantly help to tackle this critical public health issue. The study provides a current estimate which is valuable for policymakers and other responsible bodies.