Prevalence and Trends of Blood Transfusion Transmitted Infections: Comparative Study between the Blood Bank of a Private and Government Medical College in South Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Transfusion of blood and blood components can save millions of lives worldwide each year and its safety is the subject of real concern. Transfusion associated transmission of some of the life threatening infections has demanded screening of blood for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Syphilis and Malaria. Aims & Objectives: To assess the prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) among the donors. To analyse the trends of TTI in private and government settings. Materials and method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Blood donor data over a period of 9 years from 2010 to 2018 from Blood bank of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya and Blood bank of Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga was included in the study. All the donors including voluntary and replacement donors during the study period were included in the study. Results: Total number of voluntary and replacement donors in a Private medical college blood bank were 11225 and 4853, whereas that in a Government medical college blood bank were 50931 and 9736. Prevalence of various TTI in a private and government medical college was as follows-HIV (0.15%, 0.18%), HBV (0.67%, 1.07%), HCV (0.09%, 0.09%), Syphilis (0.02%, 0.004%) and Malaria (00%, 00%). Conclusion: Donor criteria should be followed strictly and effective screening facilities should be used to reduce the incidence of blood transfusion transmitted infections.