Seroprevalence of hepatitis-B virus (HBV), hepatitis-C virus (HCV) and human immodeficiency virus (HIV) in blood donors.

Objectives: To study the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in blood donors at SKIMS Srinagar. Study Design: A combined (retrospective/prospective) observational study. Material & Methods: All the eligible blood donors were screened for HBsAg, HCV and HIV by Rapid test and/or ELISA. Results: A study of 5½ years was carried out in the Department of Blood Transfusion & Immunohaematology at SKIMS Srinagar. The study period extended from January 2003 to June 2008. A total of 48025 units of blood donated were screened for HBsAg, HCV and HIV. Seroprevalence of HBsAg, HCV and HIV was 0.57%, 0.22% and 0% respectively, with total seroprevalence of all three viral markers of 0.79%. There was no statistical difference between the seropositivity of HBsAg and HCV among different age groups, male v/s female, rural v/s urban, replacement v/s voluntary, first time v/s repeat donors. Seropositivity was statistically not associated with ABO blood groups. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of viral markers was lower in our study as compared with studies from other countries. However, the risk of transmission, though small, is significant considering the overall morbidity and mortality of disease transmitted