Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections among Blood Donors Khartoum North Teaching Hospital

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to determine the sero- prevalence and the possible risk factors and profounders for hepatitis B and C virus infections among the blood donors attending Khartoum North Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Hundred (100) subjects were investigated during the period from January to March, 2009. All the subjects examined were males, age ranging from 20-52 years. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag), the main serologic marker for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was detected among 7.0% blood donors using both immunochromatographic test (ICT) and the enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) specific antibodies (anti-HCV Abs) were detected among 1.0% blood donors using the same techniques mentioned above. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the prevalence of HBs Ag or HCV Abs among married blood donors compared to the single donors. Subjects of younger ages 20-30 years were found to be significantly (p<0.05) infected with both HBV (4) cases and HCV (1) case compared to all other age groups examined. In all subjects examined, dual infection with both viruses was never detected. Both techniques were, equally, sensitive in detection of both serological markers. Previous jaundice was found to be a significant (p<0.05) profounder factor to both viral infections. However, no other risk factors (e.g. previous blood transfusions, needle stick injuries, alcohol intake and previous surgical operations) were found to be significant (p>0.05) to contract both diseases.