Geeta Deshmukh

Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted (Single and Dual) Infections in Blood Donors of Western U.P. India

Background: Blood transfusion service (BTS) is an integral part of health care system which primarily aims at providing adequate and safe blood. Transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) pose constant threat to safety of recipients of blood. Therefore all donated blood should be screened against these infections. Aims &objectives : This retrospective study was carried out to know seroprevalence of different Transfusion transmitted infections in healthy blood donors of Western U.P.to prevent transmission of diseases. Material and method : Blood units collected from healthy non remunerated , replacement and voluntary donors within blood bank premises of Sharda hospital, Greater Noida, over a period of 6 years(2007-2012) were screened against NACO recommended TTI- HIV, HBsAg, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria parasite. Results : Total donations were 9592. Out of which 330 donors were sero reactive and 18 showed co infections (dual infection). Seropositivity for HBsAg was present in 168 donors (1.75%), HCV - 116(1.208%), RPR for syphilis 52 (0.54%) and HIV - 12 cases (0.12%) . Majority of single and co infections were in 21-40 yrs age group .Co infection was present in 18 cases. RPR done for syphilis was a common positive marker in all 18 cases of co infection. Other infections were HBsAg -11 cases (61.1%), HCV - 6 cases (33.3%) and HIV - one case (5.55%). Conclusion : Blood bank should follow more stringent donor selection criteria and promote voluntary donation. Public awareness regarding mode of spread of TTI and judicious use of blood will reduce the threat of transfusion transmitted infections.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Antibodies in Healthy Blood Donors in Western U.P. India

Blood transfusion is an effective mode of transmission of hepatitis C infection. In developed countries various measures have been taken to reduce the spread of infection through this route. In India, mandatory screening for HCV was introduced as late as 2002 though it was started in Japan & US in 1990. Still, the studies all over India suggest that despite testing of blood units HCV infection is still a significant problem.