Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections Among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Blood transfusion is an essential lifesaving medical intervention. However, transfusion carries the risk of transmitting infectious diseases known as transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs). Screening of donated blood for infections such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and malaria is mandatory to ensure blood safety. The aim is to determine the seroprevalence and trends of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) among blood donors at a tertiary care centre over a five-year period. Material and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed blood donor screening records from 2021 to 2025. All donated blood units were screened for human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and malaria. Blood donors were screened for HIV (4th-generation ELISA), HBsAg and HCV (3rd-generation ELISA), syphilis (Rapid Plasma Reagin test), and malaria (antigen-based rapid diagnostic test). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the annual seroprevalence and trends of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors. Results: A total of 189,761 blood donors were included, comprising 139,613 voluntary donors and 50,148 replacement donors. The overall prevalence of TTIs among blood donors was 3.14%. HIV prevalence ranged from 0.32% to 0.36%, HBsAg from 0.91% to 1.16%, HCV from 1.00% to 1.33%, and syphilis (RPR) from 0.45% to 0.72%. Only one malaria-positive case was detected during the study period. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that TTIs continue to be present among blood donors, highlighting the importance of strict donor screening and continuous surveillance to maintain blood safety. Strategies to ensure a safe blood supply should be strengthened through stringent donor selection and the implementation of highly sensitive screening methods, including nucleic acid testing (NAT).

Keywords: Transfusion-transmitted infections, Blood donors, Seroprevalence, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Malaria, Blood safety.