Suchergebnisse

Background: Detection of specific antibodies to Treponema pallidum in serum is correlated with present or past Syphilis. The study aimed to know the seroprevalence of syphilis among blood donors in relation to age, sex, type of donation and times of donation.Methods: A total of 24,000 blood donors were screened to detect the presence of specific antibodies against T. pallidum by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to standard test kit protocol. Initially reactive samples were reconfirmed by repeat testing and repeatedly reactive samples were considered seropositive for Syphilis.Results: The seroprevalence of specific antibodies to T. pallidum among blood donors was found 0.42% (95% CI= 0.3-0.5%). There was an increasing trends of syphilis as the age of the donors increased (Cochrane-armitage test, P < 0.001). The seroprevalence in males was 0.45% and in females was 0.24% (P >0.05), in first time donors was 0.36% and in repeated donors was 0.48% (P > 0.05), among volunteer donors was 0.41% and among replacement donors was 0.50% (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The similar seroprevalence in first time and repeat donors as well as in volunteer and replacement donors urges the need of more effective donor education and counselling. Key words: Blood donors; Seroprevalence; Specific treponemal antibodies; Syphilis.doi: 10.3126/jnhrc.v6i2.2212Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 2008 Oct;6(13): Page: 98-101

Background: Nepal is categorized as a country with 'concentrated' epidemic of HIV Nepal Red Cross Society, Blood Transfusion Service has implemented considerable efforts to supply the safe blood and blood products according to the increasing demand. A trend analysis might prove valuable to understand the outcome and appropriately plan for further improvements in providing safe blood supply. The study aimed to assess the trends of HIV seroprevalence over the six years in nationwide and in urbanized setting of Kathmandu Valley.Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted among Nepalese blood donors through the years 2001-2007. Serum samples were tested using third generation ELISA tests, strictly following the instructions of manufacturers. The donors' information was collected through the donor record register through the respective Blood Transfusion Services.Results: The overall seroprevalence of HIV among the total blood donors in nation wide and in Central Blood Transfusion Service (CBTS), Kathmandu through the six years of review (from 2001-2007) was 0.33% and 0.4% respectively. A significant decreasing trend in HIV seroprevalence was observed both in nationwide and in Central Blood Transfusion Service, Kathmandu (P< 0.001).Conclusion: The analysis of trends in HIV seroprevalence among blood donors through the year 2001- 2007 showed a significantly decreasing trend, probably due to the cumulative effect of increasing awareness of HIV and improved screening system for safe blood donation. However, an abrupt increase in demand of blood supply was associated with significant increase in seroprevalence in the year 2005/2006. Key words: Nepalese blood donors; Seroprevalence; Trends.doi: 10.3126/jnhrc.v6i2.2203Journal of Nepal Health Research Council 2008 Oct;6(13): Page: 93-97