Transfusion‐transmitted infections among multitransfused patients in Iran: a review

Abstract

Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) continue to be a major challenge for Blood transfusion organizations across the world. The problem is more serious in the developing countries with lower economic means. Multitransfused patients (MTPs) in these countries are at higher risk of infection, and studies of infection in these patients can be a useful index for examining the blood safety filters in place. The present article reviews the situation in Iran, where prevalence of the major viruses of concern, namely, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus, studied in these patients is reported over a 9-year period. It is demonstrated that HCV is the most prevalent TTI and remains a major health problem for these patients.

Occult hepatitis B in Egyptian thalassemic children

“…However, our results are similar to those of Singh et al [9], who reported twelve children from seventy (17.1%) had antibodies to HCV. These results differ from those of Rezvan et al [16], who demonstrated that HCV is the most prevalent of transfusion-transmitted infections.…”

Update on the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Iranian General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The most important causative factor for the lower prevalence of HCV infection rate in our country in comparison with other developing countries is the strict program of HCV infection screening prior to transfusion, which started in Iran in 1996 (25). High risk groups including thalassemia, hemophilic and hemodialysis patients as well as intravenous drug users (IDU) are primary sources of HCV infection that can potentially transmit infection to healthy individuals.…”

No Evidence of HIV Infection Among the General Population of Mashhad, Northeast of Iran

“…Similarly, the prevalence of HIV infection in Iranian blood donors was reported as low as 0.004% in 2007 (11). Furthermore, several studies reported no evidence of HIV seropositivity in Iranian thalassemia and hemophilia population and a low prevalence of the infection among hemodialysis patients (12).…”