Burden and Correlates of Bloodborne Pathogens in a Zambian Blood Donor Cohort

06 Apr 20264 min read0 viewsJournal Feed

GIST

by Mwila Mapipo, Alex Maleti, Phinnoty Mwansa, Paul Daka, David Chisompola Introduction Transfusion is a critical life-saving intervention, but the safety of the blood supply remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, due to the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). This study aimed to determine the burden and correlates of bloodborne pathogens among blood donors in Muchinga Province, Zambia.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using records from 2,667 blood donors at the Chinsali General Hospital Blood Bank between January and December 2021. Data on demographic characteristics, donation type, and ABO/Rhesus blood group were collected.

Screening for Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), HIV, and Syphilis was performed using the Abbott Alinity i platform. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with infection status.

Results The overall prevalence of TTIs among donors was 25.7% (686/2,667). The most prevalent single infections were HBV and Syphilis 8.0% (213/2,667), followed by HCV 7.8% (207/2,667), and HIV 7.7% (206/2,667), with notable co-infection rates, particularly HIV/Syphilis (4.9%).

Clinical Editorial

Summary

Emerging signal: burden of transfusion-transmitted infections in a Zambian donor cohort

Context and objective

A cross-sectional assessment was conducted to quantify the burden and correlates of bloodborne pathogens among blood donors in Muchinga Province, Zambia.
The study leverages donor records to explore associations between infection status and demographic or biological characteristics.

Design, setting, and population

Retrospective analysis of records from 2,667 donors at the Chinsali General Hospital Blood Bank, covering January through December 2021.
Data included demographics, donation type, and ABO/Rh blood group.

Methods and laboratory assessment

Screening for HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and syphilis was performed using the Abbott Alinity i platform.
Statistical approach employed logistic regression to identify factors associated with infection status, with a composite analysis addressing multiple infections.

Key findings on infection burden

Overall prevalence of any TTI among donors was 25.7% (686 of 2,667).
The leading single infections were HBV and syphilis at 8.0% (213/2,667) each, followed closely by HCV at 7.8% (207/2,667) and HIV at 7.7% (206/2,667).
Notable co-infection burden included an HIV/syphilis pairing, comprising 4.9% of donors.

Associations and interpretation

In multivariable analysis, blood group O was associated with reduced odds of any TTI relative to blood group A.
Specifically, adjusted odds for blood group O were 0.64 (95% CI 0.52–0.79), indicating a potential protective association, though precise causality and mechanisms remain uncertain.
The study emphasizes substantial TTIs in the donor pool and highlights a potential biological link with ABO blood group that warrants further exploration.