Seroprevalenceof HBs Ag and HCV in Healthy Blood Donors at a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B and hepatitis C threatens safety of the recipients and the community as a whole and are subject of real concern worldwide. To assess the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among blood donors at a tertiary care hospital-based blood bank in Punjab.7000 blood donors (5450 voluntary and 1550 replacement donors) were studied. All the blood donors were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies (third generation ELISA). Seroprevalence of HBsAg and HCV were 0.91% and 0.83% respectively. Seropositivitywas higher among replacement donors than voluntary donors in HBsAg (1.39% vs. 0.79%) and HCV (1.22% vs. 0.72%). Seroprevalence was more in age group 31-40 years and higher in rural area donors. The incidence decreased in repeat donors. Prevalence of HBsAg was higherthan anti HCV. Stringent measures need to be taken including dissemination of information andvigilant donor screening, screening of blood unit with sensitive techniques like NAT,inclusion of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen. Key words: Blood donors, HBsAg, anti-HCV, voluntary donor, replacement donor. Key message: Repeat voluntary donors are safest and inclusion of sensitive techniques like NAT, antibodies to HBcAg and HCV RNA for donor screening will improve blood safety further. Educate rural masses about the prevention of viral diseases