Prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among various donor groups: A comparative analysis

Transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) are illnesses spread through contaminated blood or blood products. In India, screening for TTIs such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-I/II, malaria, and syphilis is mandatory before blood transfusions. Worldwide, HCV, HBV, and HIV are the leading viruses causing mortality, affecting millions of people globally, including those with co-infections of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV. Studies highlight the impact of TTIs on life expectancy and health risks, such as liver cirrhosis, cancer, and other diseases in individuals with chronic HBV. Globally, millions of blood donations take place annually, emphasizing the importance of maintaining blood safety.

To study the prevalence of TTIs, viz., HBV, HCV, HIV I/II, syphilis, and malaria parasite (MP), among different blood donor groups.

The study assessed the prevalence of TTIs among different blood donor groups in Delhi, India. Groups included total donors, in-house donors, total camp donors, institutional camp donors, and community camp donors. Tests for HIV, HBV, and HCV were done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while syphilis was tested with rapid plasma reagins and MP rapid card methods. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis, expressed as percentages. Differences in infection rates between the groups were analyzed using χ² tests and P-values (less than 0.05).

The study evaluated TTIs among 42158 blood donors in Delhi. The overall cumulative frequency of TTIs in total blood donors was 2.071%, and the frequencies of HBV, HCV, HIV-I/II, venereal disease research laboratory, and MP were 1.048%, 0.425%, 0.221%, 0.377%, and 0.0024%, respectively. In-house donors, representing 37656 donors, had the highest transfusion transmissible infection (TTI) prevalence at 2.167%. Among total camp donors (4502 donors), TTIs were identified in 1.266% of donors, while community camp donors (2439 donors) exhibited a prevalence of 1.558%. Institutional camp donors (2063 donors) had the lowest TTI prevalence at 0.921%. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in overall TTI prevalence, with total and in-house donors exhibiting higher rates compared to camp donors.

Ongoing monitoring and effective screening programs are essential for minimizing TTIs. Customizing blood safety measures for different donor groups and studying socio-economic-health factors is essential to improving blood safety.