SEROLOGICAL DETECTION OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN ( HBsAg) AND ANTI- HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) ANTIBODIES AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN SHENDI HOSPITALS

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.