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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah
Published on: June 24, 2025
Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Viruses Among Blood Donors at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi
Nariman Sindi1, Osama A Alzahrani2, Lamis M Alamoudi3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
Objectives:
To assess the prevalence, temporal trends, and diagnostic concordance of transfusion-transmitted viruses (TTVs) using combined serological and nucleic acid testing (NAT) in a large donor population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
This retrospective study analysed all blood donations screened from 2019 to 2024 at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, using serological assays and NAT. Prevalence estimates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Temporal trends were evaluated using generalised estimating equations logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) positivity. Diagnostic agreement between serology and NAT was assessed using Cohen's kappa statistic.
Results:
Among 48,151 donors, seroprevalence was 0.4% for HBsAg, 0.3% for HCV Ab, 0.1% for HIV Ab, and 0.02% for HTLV Ab. HBc Ab was detected in 4.7%. NAT identified HBV and HCV in 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. Logistic regression showed a significant annual decline in HBsAg and NAT-HBV. Older age and non-Saudi nationality were linked to higher HBsAg and HCV positivity. Concordance between serology and NAT was substantial for HIV but negligible for HBV and HCV.
Conclusions:
TTVs rates are low and declining, but HBV/HCV concordance underscores the need for continued dual testing to ensure transfusion safety.
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