Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala

Abstract

BACKGROUND Transfusion transmitted infections continue to be a threat to safe blood transfusion practices. The problems of window period is an important aspect in the detection of viral infections. Most persons infected with Hepatitis C are asymptomatic without any history of jaundice, but have chronic hepatitis with a few progressing to liver failure. Prevalence study helps to understand the depth of the problem in the community and also emphasises on more widespread use of newer diagnostic procedures to overcome the long window period in screening for Hepatitis C. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a descriptive study conducted in the tertiary care settings of a Government Medical College in Kerala. Retrospective data pertaining to screening of blood units in the blood bank of the Institution during the study period from 2012 to 2016 were collected from the records and analysed to assess the prevalence of seroreactive Hepatitis C. RESULTSA total of 93,023 blood units were collected during the five-year period, of which 15,382 units were donated in outreach camps. Males were the predominant donors. There were 87,194 male donors during this period, while female donors accounted for 5829 units; 89% females donated in outreach camps. Most of the donors were in 18 -40 years' age group; 67 samples were found to be seroreactive to Hepatitis C, of which only 2 were females. The overall prevalence of seroreactive Hepatitis C is 0.072%. Hepatitis C accounts for one-fourth of the total transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors. CONCLUSIONAlthough, overall prevalence of Hepatitis C in this area is low, it is persistent and significant and contributes to a one-fourth of transfusion transmitted infections. Blood component use increases the risk of transmission of infection to multiple recipients. Transfusion of blood and blood components is a potential source of Hepatitis C. Since there are no currently available vaccines against Hepatitis C, transfusion safety is crucial for preventing the transmission of Hepatitis C.