PREVALENCE AND TRENDS OF TRANSFUSION-TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IN VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONORS OF ISLAMABAD AND RAWALPINDI: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/n856w085Keywords:
Transfusion-transmitted infections, , Blood donors, HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, Pakistan, Voluntary donationAbstract
Background: Blood transfusion remains a cornerstone of modern medicine, yet it carries an inherent risk of transmitting infectious diseases. Regular surveillance of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) among blood donors is essential to ensure transfusion safety and to inform public health strategies. In Pakistan, despite advancements in donor screening, TTIs continue to pose a challenge, reflecting underlying epidemiological and healthcare gaps that warrant continuous monitoring and policy reinforcement.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution trends of major transfusion-transmissible infections—hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Treponema pallidum (syphilis)—among voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society from October 2024 to May 2025. Data from 9,213 voluntary donors aged 18–60 years were analyzed. Donor demographic details, including age and gender, were obtained from institutional records. Screening for HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis was performed using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) technology on the Roche Cobas e411 analyzer, following standard manufacturer and quality control protocols. All data were reviewed for completeness, and infection prevalence was calculated as proportions of total donations.
Results: Out of 9,213 donors, 9,121 (99.0%) were male and 92 (1.0%) were female. A total of 362 donors (3.93%) were reactive for at least one TTI. HCV was the most prevalent infection (1.58%, n=146), followed by HBV (1.38%, n=127), syphilis (1.03%, n=95), and HIV (0.14%, n=13). No co-infections were detected, and all positive cases were male. The highest infection rates were observed among donors aged 18–34 years.
Conclusion: The persistence of TTIs among voluntary donors highlights an ongoing public health concern in Pakistan. Strengthening donor selection, enhancing screening sensitivity, promoting immunization coverage, and improving community awareness are imperative for maintaining a safe blood supply and reducing transfusion-related risks.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Husnain, Manzoor Ullah, Anam Hanif, Mafia Arshad, Mehreen Azeem, Hashmatullah Stanikzai, Muhammad Atif, Sheraz Ali, Ahtisham Mehmood Hadi (Author)
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