Bishnu Raj Tiwari

Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus in Nepalese blood donors: A study from three regional blood transfusion services

Background and Objective: The likelihood of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection occurring in recipients of HIV seropositive blood is close to 100%. Transmission during window period is still possible even each unit of blood is tested for anti-HIV 1 and 2 antibodies. The possibility of window period transmission would be minimized if blood is collected from low risk targeted general public. A continuous surveillance data might prove valuable for concerned authorities to assess their service and plan for further improvements in transfusion safety. Our aim was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV in regional blood transfusion services located at three developmental regions of Nepal and compare the results. Materials and Methods: A total of 16,557 blood donors were screened for anti-HIV 1 and 2 antibodies in three blood transfusion services viz. 5,351 donors in Morang, 5,211 in Banke, 5,995 in Kaski by using rapid anti HIV 1 and 2 Test. The statistical significance of difference in seroprevalence was tested by Fisher’s Exact Test using the statistical software ‘Winpepi ver 3.8’. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in the regional blood transfusion services was 0.054% (9/16557) and 100% seropositivity was among male donors. The individual seroprevalence in Morang was 0.019%, in Banke was 0.095% and in Kaski was 0.05%. The HIV seroprevalence was not significantly different in regional blood transfusion services of Nepal (Fisher Exact Test, P = 0.2096). Conclusion: The seroprevalence in the regional blood transfusion service of Nepal was quite low and the seroprevalence rate was not significantly different.

HBsAg serosurveillance among Nepalese blood donors

Context: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly infectious and can be transmitted covertly by percutaneous routes and overtly by blood transfusion. Earlier studies among Nepalese blood donors have shown a high seroprevalence of HBV. Regarding this problem Blood Transfusion Service in Nepal has focused seriously for improving its service by various motivation and education programs. Aims: The study was aimed to reveal the seroprevalence of HBV among different category of blood donors, in relation to their sex and age. Settings and Design: Descriptive cross-sectional Study. Materials and Methods: A total of 33,255 blood samples were screened from donors using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits from December 1, 2006 to September 1, 2007 in Central Blood Transfusion Service, Nepal Red Cross Society, Exhibition Road, Kathmandu. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used for significance testing by using the software SPSS ver. 11.5. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg among total blood donors was 0.53% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46-0.62%). Significantly, higher seroprevalence was observed among male donors than in females (0.58% vs. 0.18%, respectively) ( P 0.05). The hepatitis C virus coinfection rate among HBV-infected donors was 1.67%. Conclusions: On the basis of this study, we concluded that the seroprevalence of HBV among Nepalese blood donors in Kathmandu Valley, is decreasing compared to recent past years and is relatively lower than as described for most of the major cities in South Asia. However, similar seroprevalence rate among first time and repeat donors suggests that further improvements are essential.

Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in blood donors: A study from regional blood transfusion services of Nepal

Background and Objective: Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are significant health problems that might involve the late sequel of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors poses an increased risk of window period transmission through blood transfusion. The present study aimed to know the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among blood donors in regional blood transfusion services of Nepal. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted among blood donors in Banke (5,211), Morang (5,351), and Kaski (5,995) blood transfusion services. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using rapid enzyme immunoassays. The donors information was collected via the donor record register through their respective blood transfusion services. The software “Winpepi ver 3.8” was used for statistical analysis. Results: The seroprevalence rate of HBV was highest in the Banke (1.2%) followed by Biratnagar (0.87%) and Kaski (0.35%) (P < 0.0001). The seroprevalence of HCV was highest in the Morang (0.26%) followed by Kaski (0.16%) and Banke (0.11%) (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of HBV was significantly higher than HCV in all three blood transfusion services. The burden of HBV as well as HCV seems to be higher in male donors (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that the seroprevalence of HBV was alarmingly higher in two of the three blood transfusion services. Implementation of community-based preventive measures and improved strategies for safe blood supply might prove useful to decrease the seroprevalence.

Intestinal parasitic infection among the HIV-infected patients in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION Intestinal parasitic infection has been a significant problem in HIV patients, worldwide. In this study, we aimed to measure the prevalence and identify the factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection in people infected with HIV and attending National Public Health Laboratory in Kathmandu, Nepal, for CD4 T-cell count. METHODOLOGY An analytical cross-sectional study in 745 HIV-infected people attending for CD4 T-cell count was conducted. RESULTS The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 22.4% (95% CI 19.5 to 25.5). In univariate analysis, age, sex, longer time since diagnosis of HIV, CD4 T-cell count of <200/µL, diarrhoea, marital status, and being under tuberculosis (TB) treatment were significantly associated with increased odds of intestinal parasite infection. However, in the logistic regression model, only the CD4 T-cell count of <200/µL (adjusted OR=4.2, 95% CI 2.5 to 7.0), diarrhoea (adjusted OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.3) and being under TB treatment (adjusted OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.6) remained as significant predictors. On stratification, CD4 T-cell count of <200/ µL was independently associated with higher odds of protozoal as well as helminthes infection. The parasites Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were observed only in participants with CD4 T-cell counts <200/µL. CONCLUSIONS Both protozoal and helminthic intestinal parasitic infections are common in HIV-infected people seeking care in healthcare facilities. The poor immune status as indicated by low CD4 T-cell count and TB may account for such a high risk of parasitic infection.

Co-infection rate of HIV, HBV and Syphilis among HCV seropositive identified blood donors in Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: HIV, HBV, Syphilis and HCV share common modes of transmission. Objective: The study was aimed to determine the co-infection rate of HIV, HBV and Syphilis among HCV seropositive identified blood donors. Methods: The study was conducted on blood samples screened as HCV seropositive at Nepal Red Cross Society, Central Blood Transfusion Service, Kathmandu, Nepal. HCV seropositive samples were further tested for HIV, HBV and Syphilis. Results: Eight co-infections were observed in 139 HCV seropositives with total co-infection rate of 5.75% (95% CI = 2.52-11.03). Conclusion: Co-infection of HIV, HBV and Syphilis with HCV is prevalent in the healthy looking blood donors of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Prevalence of intestinal parasite among school children of Bharatpokhari V.D.C., Kaski, Nepal.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection among school children and the factors associated with it. Study Design: Cross Sectional Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among school children in Bhulbhula Intermediate School, Janjyoti Primary School and Sukla Primary School of Bharatpokhari VDC, Kaski, western region of Nepal during December, 2012 to Feburary, 2013. Materials and Methods: A total of 163 faecal samples were collected. Samples were investigated under standard WHO guidelines for identification of parasites. Samples were analysed microscopically. Results: Out of the 163 children screened, the overall parasitic infection rate was found to be 18(11%). There was no statistically significant association between sex (p=0.935), schools (p=0.570) or age group (p=0.327) and the infection status. On the whole, Entamoeba histolytica (E.h) had the prevalence of 61.0% followed by Trichuris trichuria (TT) 22.0% and Hook worm, Ascaris/Giardia, Trichuris trichuria/Entamoeba histolytica 6.0% each. Conclusion: Results of this study indicates a low prevalence of intestinal parasite among school children in Bharatpokhari VDC, kaski, Western region of Nepal. Original Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 4(9): 1007-1012, 2014 1008

Factors associated with high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-infected people visiting for assessment of eligibility for highly active antiretroviral therapy in Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of deaths among HIV patients. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and identified the factors/co-morbidities associated with active PTB in HIV-infected people visiting the national public health laboratory to assess their eligibility to receive highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to measure the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Data on probable risk factors in patients with and without PTB were compared, calculating the odds ratio as a measure of association. Factors showing significant association in univariate analyses were included in a stepwise backward logistic regression model to adjust for confounding. Results: The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 32.4 % (95% confidence interval (CI) 30.25–34.56). In the univariate analysis, patients with PTB were more likely to be older, married, and have a longer duration since the diagnosis of HIV, diarrhoea, parasitic infection, lower CD4 T-cell counts, and lower CD4/CD8 ratio. However, the backward stepwise logistic regression revealed that only the CD4 T-cell count < 200/μL (AOR 11.69, 95% CI 6.23–21.94), CD4 T-cell count 200–350/μL (AOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.30–4.89), diarrhoea (AOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.78–4.31), parasitic infection (AOR 3.34, 95% CI 2.02–5.50) and ‘sex with partner’ as probable modes of transmission (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20–0.93) were independently associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Conclusion: A high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was observed. Participants with tuberculosis were significantly more likely to have lower CD4 counts, diarrhoea, and parasitic infections. HIV treatment programmes should consider these factors for better outcomes.