Stringent Donor Selection Still Holds The Key In Prevention Of Transfusion Transmissible Infection: Results Of A Fifteen Year Study

Dr R S Mallhi; Dr U Dimri

Volume : VI, Issue : II, February - 2016

Stringent Donor Selection Still Holds The Key In Prevention Of Transfusion Transmissible Infection: Results Of A Fifteen Year Study

Dr R S Mallhi, Dr U Dimri

Abstract :

Background: Despite the availability of more sensitive testing methodologies for screening of blood components, voluntary donors still hold their forte when it comes to prevention of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Aim and Objectives: We studied the effect of shifting our donor base from replacement to voluntary donors on the prevalence of TTIs among blood donors in the past 15 years (2000– 2014). Study Design and Methods: 1,28,068 allogeneic donations from 2000 to 2014 were screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),malaria and syphilis. The prevalence was calculated per 1000 donations. Results were also analyzed for pre and post 2009 seroprevalence levels. Results: The seroprevalence per 1000 donations for entire study period was 14.9 for HBV, 5.5 for HIV, 4.5 for HCV and 3.6 for syphilis. A significant reduction in HIV, HBV and Syphilis is seen in total donor population in pre and post 2009 seroprevalence values. Surprisingly a significant increase is observed for HCV in pre and post 2009 seroprevalence values. Seroprevalence values differed significantly between the voluntary and replacement donors, with higher values seen in the latter category. Conclusion: Our study results show that in a developing country like India, though universal implementation of NAT screening is much desirable, the focus should still be on increasing voluntary non remunerated donors for TTI prevention, coupled with a sensitive ELISA based screening programme.