The Frequency of Transfusion-transmissible Infections Among Donors in 2023 at the National Blood Transfusion Service in Guyana
Abstract:
Objective: To determine the frequency of transfusion-transmitted infections and their demographic characteristics among donors in Guyana.
Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2023, involving 9,037 voluntary blood donors aged 16 to 65 years across Guyana. All participants met eligibility criteria, provided informed consent, and the study received ethical approval. Data was analysed using STATA 18.0, with statistical significance set at p-value < 0.05. .
Results: The overall frequency of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) among donors was 3.34%. The frequencies of TTIs were as follows: Syphilis (1.58%), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV, 0.92%), Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV, 0.43%), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV, 0.20%), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV, 0.20%), and Chagas disease (0.18%). TTIs varied notably by age group. Syphilis was most prevalent among donors aged 45–65, HBV among those 45–54, HTLV in the 35–44 and 55 -65 age ranges, and Chagas was highest in the 55–65 group. The average donor age was 36.42 years. Females comprised 36.05% of the donor population and showed higher rates of HTLV compared to males. First-time donors exhibited significantly higher positivity rates for Syphilis, HBV, HTLV, and Chagas disease, underscoring the need for stronger screening efforts and targeted awareness campaigns.
Conclusion: This study highlights the frequency of TTIs among blood donors in Guyana, emphasizing the significant risks posed by Syphilis, HBV, and HTLV. Higher frequencies were observed in Syphilis and HTLV, among first-time donors; this underscores the need for enhanced screening and sensitization on prevention measures.
