Infectious pathogens in volunteer and replacement blood donors in Pakistan: a ten-year experience

SummaryBackground and objectivesInfectious pathogens in blood are a potential source of transmission of hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis. The present study reviews the frequency of these infections in volunteer and replacement blood donors in Lahore, Pakistan.MethodsData on serologic testing of blood donors (using commercial assays) were reviewed for the years 1996–2005. Data from 2004 and 2005 were also analyzed with respect to age and type of donor (volunteer versus replacement).ResultsThe frequency of serologic evidence of various infectious pathogens ranged as follows: hepatitis B 1.46–2.99%, with a downward trend over time, hepatitis C 3.01–4.99%, HIV 0–0.06%, and syphilis 0.19–0.57%. Amongst replacement donors, younger individuals (