Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

SEROPREVALENCE OF HIV INFECTION AMONG BLOOD DONORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Aleruchi, O., Peterside, N. F. & Ezekoye, C.C.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV infection among blood donors visiting the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and also to determine the types of blood donors, the age range and sex of HIV positive blood donors. A total of 880 blood donors were screened for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody. They were 833 males and 47 females. Their ages ranged from 17 – 56 years. Questionnaires were given to the participants to fill before their blood samples were collected by a trained nurse. The HIV screening was carried out at the HIV laboratory using Determine HIV 1 and 2 and stat-pak. A total of four blood donors (0.45%) were positive for HIV antibodies. In the age range of 27 - 36 years, 1 male (0.115%) and 1 female (0.115%) were positive. In the age range of 37 - 46 years, 1 male (0.11%) was positive whereas between the age of 47 - 56 years, 1 male (0.11%) was also positive. Family replacement donors were 879 (99.9%) and voluntary donor was 1 (0.1%). Commercial remunerated donors showed zero prevalence. These results showed a low prevalence of HIV antibodies among blood donors in the studied population and a high rate of family replacement donation. Recipients have an increased risk of becoming infected with HIV through blood or blood products that is not tested or not properly tested. Voluntary remunerated donors should be encouraged and the search for same should be intensified.