Abstract:
Background: Transfusion-transmissible infectious agents such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B
virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis are among the greatest threats to blood safety for the recipient.
This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors and trends of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections
among blood donors over a period of five years at Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive blood donors’ records covering the period between January 2003
and December 2007 was conducted. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with
HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections.
Results: From the total of 6361 consecutive blood donors, 607 (9.5%) had serological evidence of infection with at
least one pathogen and 50 (0.8%) had multiple infections. The overall seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis
was 3.8%, 4.7%, 0.7%, and 1.3% respectively. Among those with multiple infections, the most common
combinations were HIV - syphilis 19 (38%) and HIV - HBV 17 (34%). The seropositivity of HIV was significantly
increased among female blood donors, first time donors, housewives, merchants, soldiers, drivers and construction
workers. Significantly increased HBV seropositivity was observed among farmers, first time donors and age groups
of 26 - 35 and 36 - 45 years. Similarly, the seroprevalence of syphilis was significantly increased among daily
labourers and construction workers. Statistically significant association was observed between syphilis and HIV
infections, and HCV and HIV infections. Moreover, significantly declining trends of HIV, HCV and syphilis
seropositivity were observed over the study period.
Conclusions: A substantial percentage of the blood donors harbour HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections. Strict
selection of blood donors and comprehensive screening of donors’ blood using standard methods are highly
recommended to ensure the safety of blood for recipient.
