Abstract:
This study was conducted
to determine the seroprevalence and the
possible risk factors for hepatitis B and C virus infections among the blood
donors attending Shendi Teaching Hospitals, River Nile State, Sudan.
Seventy eight (78) subjects were investigated during the period from May
to July 2005; all the subjects examined were males, age ranging from 20-
50 years.
The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag), the main serologic marker for
hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was detected among 5.1% blood donors
using the both immunochromatographic test (ICT) strips and the enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatitis C virus antibodies (Anti-
HCV Abs) were detected among 1.3% blood donors using ICT. In all
subjects examined, there were no dual infection with both viruses.
ELISA was found to be fairly sensitive in detecting HBs Ag compared to
ICT. However, there was difference between the two techniques used
(P>0.05).
Previous blood transfusion was found to be a significant factor
predisposing to infection with both HBV and HCV viruses (P<0.05). There
was no significant association between the infection with the two viruses
and the other possible factors (drug abuse, previous operation, needle
injuries). There was no significant difference between the prevalence of
HBs Ag among single and married donors.
