Sero-Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Among Healthy Adult Blood Donors in Wolita Zone, Ethiopia
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Date
2015-12
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major global health problem. More than three-quarters of HBV infections occur in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. HCV causes an acute and necro inflamatory disease of liver. Blood serves as a vehicle for transmission of blood-borne pathogens including hepatitis viruses. Determination of the
prevalence of HBV and HCV in a population in general, and blood-donors in particular will certainly help in reviewing the screening procedures and making health policy decisions.
Objective: The study aims at investigating the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and associated risk factors among healthy adult blood donor in Wolaita Sodo Hospital, and Christian hospital, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections among blood donors at Wolaita Sodo Hospital, and Christian hospital, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. The blood samples were screened for HBV and HCV. All serum samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV using rapid screening kit method according to the manufacturer’s instruction. The socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors of blood donors were assessed using structured questionnaire.
Results: A total of 148 blood donors were tested .The mean age of study participants was 28.8 years ± 5.8.The overall prevalence of HBV and HCV were 10.1% (15/148) and 8.8% (13/148) respectively. The risk factors associated with significant association was observed in sharp injury and teeth extraction for HBsAg (p=0.036 (OR=4.06) and p=0.035 (OR=3.36)).
Conclusion: Screening blood donors for both HBC and HCV is indispensable for safe blood transfusion. It is important to screen donated blood with highly sensitive and specific tests and to counsel donors who are positive to any of the above infections. It is absolutely necessary to avoid the further transmission of infection.
Key words: Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Prevalence, Blood donors
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Keywords
Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Prevalence, Blood donors