Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection among blood donors of central Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Transfusion of blood and blood products is life saving procedure which benefits numerous patients worldwide, as transfusion of blood or its components is an integral part of medical and surgical management. At the same time it is an important route of transmission of infection to the recipients. Seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors is important mode of transmission, which can be reduced by practicing 100% voluntary donation and strict donor screening. Study was conducted to find out the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors with respect to type of the donor, age, sex and blood group of the donor.

Methodology: This study was conducted from January 2005 to December 2009 at the blood bank of tertiary care Medical College Hospital, serving people of Central Karnataka. Blood units collected from eligible blood donors were subjected to 4th generation ELISA for screening for IgG antibodies to HIV. Prevalence of HIV infection was noted using SPSS version 13 statistical package in relation to type of donor, age, sex and blood group of donor. Significance of the trend was determined by chi square test.

Result: Total of 19,413 donors were screened during the study period. Majority (94%) of donors were replacement donors and 46.13% of donors belonged to the age group 18 to 25 years. Overall seroprevalence of HIV was 0.5%. Seroprevalence was more in replacement donors as compared to voluntary donors.

Conclusion: Seroprevalence detected by immunoassay testing represents only tip of the iceberg. This could be reduced by 100% voluntary blood donation.