The Prevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections among Blood Donors in Kerman, Iran

Today, an important challenge of the Blood Transfusion Organization is the preparation, distribution, and monitoring of the appropriate use of blood and blood products. Therefore, estimation of the prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) and efficiency of appropriate screening methods is essential. The purpose of the present study was the determination of the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV+), hepatitis B virus (HBs+), and hepatitis C virus (HCV+) infections and the efficiency of screening methods.

This retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed during the years 2009 to 2013 (a 5-year period). Tests were performed on blood samples in terms of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections. Information on the individuals with positive test results was extracted from Blood Transfusion Organization of Kerman Province, Iran. Then, data (demographic and infections) analysis was conducted using SPSS software and chi-square test.

Among the 360,722 donors to the Blood Transfusion Organization of Kerman Province within the 5-year period, 1140 patients were found to be HIV, HBs, and HCV positive. Considering the 95% confidence interval, the prevalence of HIV+, HBs+, and HCV+ were 0.003, 0.200, and 0.080 percent, respectively. In this study, the highest incidence was observed in patients older than 35 years (51.1%), married patients (78.2%), men (92.1%), patients without a diploma (47.5%), and first-time donors (93.5%).

The overall prevalence of TTIs among blood donors of Kerman Province was 0.3%. This indicates that the prevalence of TTIs is very low which highlights accurate screening before donation. It should also be noted that advanced and up to date tests based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines also play a pivotal role in this regard. Finally, the healthiest people in terms of donating healthy blood were regular donors with a prevalence of 2.3%.