Publication:

Prevalence of viral (HBV, HCV and HIV) co-infections among apparently healthy blood donors in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Background Apparently healthy blood donors may carry double viral co-infections that might be more fatal than viral mono-infection for the donor himself as well as recipient later on.

Methods All blood samples were screened for HIV-I and II (4th generation kit), HBV and HCV (3rd generation kit) by using chemiluminescence technique (Manufacturer- Abbott, Model-Architect i 1000SR).

Results On screening of 41307 blood units, 829 (2.0%) donors were found positive for one of the viral infection (HBV, HCV and HIV). Highest prevalence was for HBV (417 donors- 1.0%) followed by HCV (324 donors- 0.78 %) and HIV (88 donors- 0.21 %).

Conclusions Apparently healthy blood donors might carry, life threatening, double viral co-infections in their blood. Failure to diagnose and treat co-infection at an early stage results in serious complications and sequelae. For safe blood transfusion all blood units should be tested for compatibility and TTI’s with reduction in unnecessary blood transfusion.